18 Chinese Imperial Palace General Tso's Chicken Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!

The Origins of General Tso's Chicken

The Legend Behind the Dish

The story behind General Tso's chicken is shrouded in mystery and folklore. According to popular belief, the dish was created by a Chinese chef named Peng Chang-kuei, who served in the Chinese military during the Qing Dynasty. The dish was named after General Tso, a famous military leader from the Qing Dynasty. However, there is no conclusive evidence to prove this theory, and some experts believe that the dish was created in the United States by Chinese immigrants.

The Evolution of the Recipe

The original General Tso's chicken recipe was quite different from the dish we know and love today. The traditional recipe consisted of chunks of chicken deep-fried in a light batter and then stir-fried with a simple sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. However, as the dish gained popularity, it underwent various changes, and different variations emerged. Some restaurants began adding vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers, while others started adding chili peppers to give the dish a spicy kick. Today, you can find General Tso's chicken in various forms, but the traditional recipe still remains a favorite among many Chinese food lovers.

Recreating the Dish at Home

The Ingredients You Will Need

To recreate the Chinese imperial palace General Tso's chicken recipe, you will need some essential ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores. These include chicken breast, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers (if you prefer a spicy version). You will also need some green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.

The Cooking Process

To make the dish, start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and marinating them in a mixture of cornstarch, soy sauce, and rice vinegar for about 30 minutes. Next, deep fry the chicken until it is crispy and golden brown. In a separate pan, stir-fry garlic, ginger, and chili peppers (if using) for about 30 seconds. Then add in the chicken and toss it with a sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Once the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce, remove it from the heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Conclusion: General Tso's chicken is a dish that has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among Chinese food enthusiasts. Whether it was created by a legendary Chinese general or Chinese immigrants in the United States, there is no denying that this dish is a true culinary masterpiece. With a few essential ingredients and some simple cooking techniques, you can recreate the Chinese imperial palace General Tso's chicken recipe in the comfort of your own home and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.