Classic General Tso's Chicken

4.2
(26)
17 Reviews
12 Photos

This is the classic that is so popular in Chinese restaurants. Banana sauce can be found in Asian stores. It is made in the Philippines. If you can't get it, substitute ketchup.

Submitted by CRAIG
Updated on September 28, 2022
close up view of General Tso's Chicken in a pot
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Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 4 cups peanut oil for frying

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • ½ cup cornstarch

  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons rice wine

  • 3 tablespoons white sugar

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • 1 tablespoon banana ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil

  • 6 dried whole red chilies

  • ½ cup diced onion

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

  • 2 tablespoons minced green onions

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Directions

  1. Heat 4 cups of peanut oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  2. Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl; whisk in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and the cornstarch. Mix in the chicken until all the pieces are coated with batter. Drop into the hot oil a piece at a time; cook until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and no longer pink on the inside, about 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

  3. Stir together the vinegar, wine, sugar, soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and the banana ketchup in a small bowl until smooth; set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir in the dried chile peppers and cook for a few seconds until the peppers brighten. Stir in the onion, garlic, and orange zest. Cook and stir until the onion is beginning to brown. Stir in the sauce; bring to a boil before adding the fried chicken. Reduce the heat to medium and stir until the chicken pieces are well coated with the sauce, a few minutes longer. Serve sprinkled with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Tips

Editor's Note

The nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of the batter ingredients. The actual amount of the batter consumed will vary. We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

48 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

2475 Calories
244g Fat
53g Carbs
29g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 2475
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 244g 312%
Saturated Fat 42g 209%
Cholesterol 161mg 54%
Sodium 949mg 41%
Total Carbohydrate 53g 19%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 29g 57%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 108mg 8%
Iron 5mg 29%
Potassium 715mg 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.