Healthy Crispy General Tso S Chicken No Deep Frying

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish consisting of deep-fried chicken pieces that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, coated in a sweet and slightly spicy sauce. It is typically served with steamed broccoli, and sometimes with rice or noodles. The dish is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a Qing dynasty military leader from Hunan Province, China, but it is not a traditional dish from Hunan cuisine. The origins of the dish’s name and its connection to General Tso are somewhat unclear, as the dish is not known to be part of his culinary legacy in China. General Tso’s Chicken is believed to have been created in the 1950s or 1960s by a Chinese chef in Taiwan or the United States, and it has since become a popular menu item in Chinese-American restaurants. The dish’s popularity lies in its combination of crispy chicken, flavorful sauce, and sweet and spicy flavors, which appeal to many Western palates.

Tso chicken recipe

Marinate chicken – Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the egg, rice flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Combine well.Pro tip – If possible, marinate the chicken for 15 to 30 minutes up to 3 hours.

Sauce – In another bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and set aside.Pro tip – Cornstarch tends to settle at the bottom of the pan so you will need to stir it again before adding it to the pan later.

Crispy Chicken

Crispy chicken – In a wok or cast-iron skillet, on medium-high heat, add 2 tbs cooking oil (do not use olive oil). Next, add chicken pieces, one at a time, making sure they are apart. Do this in batches so you don’t crowd the pan.Pro tip – Crowding the pan will lower the heat and steam rather than sear the chicken giving a crisp coating. Cook on one side for a minute until lightly golden. Then, turn it over and cook the other side. Remove the chicken and keep it warm.Pro tip – Don’t make haste, keep the heat on medium-high. The high heat will give a nice color and crispy coating as well.

Stir fry

To the same skillet, reduce the heat and add the remaining oil. Saute the ginger, garlic, and chilly flakes. Add the sauce – cook for 30 seconds. Then, add the chicken pieces and coat the chicken with the sauce. If necessary, add a few tablespoons of water to loosen things up.Pro tip – Keep the heat to medium-low. Otherwise, all the sauce will evaporate. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro. Garnish with more chilly flakes (or sesame seeds).

Creative variations

General Tso’s Cauliflower: Replace the chicken with cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version. Coat the cauliflower in batter and fry until crispy, then toss in the General Tso’s sauce. General Tso’s Shrimp: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, then toss in the sauce. General Tso’s Tofu: Use firm tofu cut into cubes instead of chicken. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then fry until golden brown and crispy before tossing in the sauce. General Tso’s Brussels Sprouts: Roast Brussels sprouts until crispy and caramelized, then toss in the General Tso’s sauce for a flavorful side dish or vegetarian main. General Tso’s Meatballs: Make meatballs using ground chicken or pork mixed with breadcrumbs and seasonings. Bake or fry the meatballs until cooked through, then coat in the General Tso’s sauce. General Tso’s Pizza: Use General Tso’s chicken as a topping for pizza along with cheese, onions, and bell peppers for a fusion twist. General Tso’s Tacos: Fill taco shells with General Tso’s chicken, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of Sriracha mayo for a fun and flavorful taco night. General Tso’s Stir-Fry: Use the General Tso’s sauce as a stir-fry sauce for a mix of vegetables, chicken, and noodles or rice for a quick and easy meal.

Creative ways to serve Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken Sliders: Serve General Tso’s chicken pieces on small slider buns with a drizzle of sauce and some slaw or pickles for added flavor and texture. General Tso’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Serve the chicken in lettuce cups with shredded carrots, cucumbers, and cilantro for a fresh and light meal. General Tso’s Chicken Rice Bowls: Serve the chicken over steamed rice or cauliflower rice and add steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for a balanced meal. General Tso’s Chicken Tacos: Fill taco shells or tortillas with General Tso’s chicken, shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a fusion twist. General Tso’s Chicken Pizza: Use General Tso’s chicken as a pizza topping along with cheese, onions, and bell peppers for a unique and flavorful pizza. General Tso’s Chicken Stir-Fry Noodles: Toss the chicken with cooked noodles, vegetables, and a bit of extra sauce for a quick and easy stir-fry. General Tso’s Chicken Bao Buns: Serve the chicken in steamed bao buns with pickled vegetables and hoisin sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal. General Tso’s Chicken Salad: Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of mixed greens with mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, and a sesame ginger dressing for a refreshing salad.