Joe’s General Tso’s Chicken: A Delicious Copycat Recipe

General Tso’s chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its crispy, succulent chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. While many restaurants offer their version, Joe’s General Tso’s chicken stands out with its perfectly balanced flavors and satisfying texture. If you’re craving this iconic dish but want to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home, you’re in luck! This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to recreating Joe’s General Tso’s chicken, allowing you to experience the authentic taste without leaving your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe meticulously replicates the key elements that make Joe’s General Tso’s chicken so addictive:

* **Crispy Chicken:** The chicken is double-fried to achieve an exceptionally crispy exterior that holds up well against the sauce.
* **Balanced Sauce:** The sauce is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, savory, and spicy notes, creating a complex and irresistible flavor profile.
* **Authentic Flavors:** Key ingredients like Shaoxing rice wine, hoisin sauce, and dried red chilies contribute to the authentic taste of General Tso’s chicken.
* **Easy-to-Follow Instructions:** The recipe is broken down into clear, concise steps, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients

Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need to make Joe’s General Tso’s chicken:

For the Chicken Marinade:

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
* 1 teaspoon grated garlic
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Chicken Breading:

* 1 cup cornstarch
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For the General Tso’s Sauce:

* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup rice vinegar
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
* 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon water
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
* 1 teaspoon grated garlic
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
* 4-6 dried red chilies, stemmed and seeded (optional, for extra heat)
* 1/2 cup chicken broth

For Frying:

* Vegetable oil, for frying

For Garnish:

* Sesame seeds
* Chopped green onions

Equipment

* Large bowl
* Small bowl
* Whisk
* Large skillet or wok
* Tongs
* Paper towels
* Thermometer (optional, for checking oil temperature)

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create your own version of Joe’s General Tso’s chicken:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with the egg, soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry), grated ginger, grated garlic, salt, and white pepper.
2. Mix well to ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
3. Add the cornstarch to the bowl and toss again until the chicken is thoroughly coated. This helps the chicken become extra crispy during frying.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and tenderize it.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and white pepper. This is your dry breading mixture.

Step 3: Make the General Tso’s Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry), hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and water. Set aside. This is your sauce base.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
3. Add the grated ginger, grated garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried red chilies (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the sauce base to the skillet and stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
6. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, sourness, or spiciness to your preference. You can add more sugar for sweetness, rice vinegar for sourness, or red pepper flakes for spiciness. Set the sauce aside.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken (First Fry)

1. Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok to reach a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 325°F (160°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it. If the bread turns golden brown in about 30-45 seconds, the oil is ready.
2. Working in batches, dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the breading mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess breading.
3. Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in less crispy chicken.
4. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Remove the chicken from the oil using tongs and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken (Second Fry)

1. Increase the heat of the oil to 375°F (190°C). This second fry is what makes the chicken extra crispy.
2. Working in batches again, fry the chicken for another 1-2 minutes, or until it is golden brown and very crispy. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent it from burning.
3. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it back on the paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Reheat the General Tso’s sauce over medium heat if it has cooled down.
2. Add the fried chicken to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Make sure all the chicken pieces are well coated with the sauce.
3. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is heated through and the chicken is glazed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the General Tso’s chicken to a serving plate.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
3. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite sides.

Tips for the Best General Tso’s Chicken

* **Use Chicken Thighs:** Chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay more tender during frying than chicken breasts.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Fry the chicken in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping, which will result in soggy chicken.
* **Double Frying is Key:** The double-frying technique is essential for achieving an ultra-crispy exterior.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Customize the amount of red pepper flakes and dried red chilies to your desired level of spiciness.
* **Make the Sauce in Advance:** You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before adding the chicken.
* **Serve Immediately:** General Tso’s chicken is best served immediately while the chicken is still crispy and the sauce is hot.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using good quality soy sauce, rice vinegar and hoisin sauce will significantly impact the flavor of your General Tso’s chicken.
* **Control the Heat:** Pay close attention to the temperature of the oil and adjust the heat accordingly to prevent the chicken from burning or becoming soggy.

Variations

* **Vegetarian General Tso’s:** Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, cut into cubes and pressed to remove excess water. Coat the tofu in cornstarch and fry until crispy.
* **General Tso’s Shrimp:** Replace the chicken with peeled and deveined shrimp. Marinate the shrimp similarly to the chicken and fry until pink and cooked through.
* **General Tso’s Broccoli:** Add steamed broccoli florets to the skillet along with the chicken for a healthier and more balanced meal.
* **Spicier General Tso’s:** Increase the amount of red pepper flakes and dried red chilies in the sauce for a more intense heat.
* **Sweeter General Tso’s:** Add more sugar to the sauce for a sweeter flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Joe’s General Tso’s chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

* **With Steamed Rice:** The classic pairing for General Tso’s chicken.
* **With Fried Rice:** A more indulgent option for those who love fried rice.
* **With Noodles:** Serve over lo mein or chow mein noodles for a complete meal.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve smaller portions as an appetizer or snack.
* **With Stir-Fried Vegetables:** Add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers for a balanced meal.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover General Tso’s chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken may lose some of its crispiness, but it will still be flavorful.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the chicken may become softer.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce and chicken texture will change significantly upon thawing. The chicken will lose its crispiness and the sauce may separate.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 500-600
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Conclusion

This recipe allows you to easily recreate the deliciousness of Joe’s General Tso’s chicken at home. With its crispy chicken, balanced sauce, and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be able to satisfy your cravings for this classic Chinese-American dish without having to order takeout. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a homemade version of Joe’s General Tso’s chicken that’s sure to impress.