Did you know that 1 oz of General Tso (General Gau) Chicken contains 58 calories? If you're watching your calorie intake, it's essential to know how much you're consuming.
General Tso Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that is typically fried and coated with a sweet and spicy sauce. While it may be delicious, it's essential to be mindful of its nutritional content. One oz of General Tso Chicken contains 2.4g of fat, 2.8g of carbohydrates, and 3.6g of protein.
In this article, we'll explore the nutritional content of General Tso Chicken, its ingredients, potential health benefits, and alternatives to this popular dish.
Calories in 1 oz of General Tso Chicken
One oz of General Tso Chicken contains 58 calories, making it a moderate-calorie food. However, it's essential to note that most servings of General Tso Chicken are larger than 1 oz, potentially increasing the calorie count. If you're concerned about your calorie intake, it's crucial to measure your portions carefully or opt for a lighter alternative.
Amount of Fat in General Tso Chicken
One oz of General Tso Chicken contains 2.4g of fat. While this is a relatively small amount, most servings of General Tso Chicken are larger than 1 oz, potentially increasing the fat content. Additionally, General Tso Chicken is typically fried, which may increase the fat content even further. If you're watching your fat intake, it's essential to be mindful of your portion sizes and cooking methods.
Carbohydrates in General Tso Chicken
One oz of General Tso Chicken contains 2.8g of carbohydrates. While this is a relatively low amount, the sauce used in General Tso Chicken is often high in sugar, increasing the overall carbohydrate count. If you're following a low-carb diet, it's essential to be mindful of your portion sizes and search for lower-sugar alternatives.
Protein in General Tso Chicken
One oz of General Tso Chicken contains 3.6g of protein. While this is a decent amount, most servings of General Tso Chicken are larger than 1 oz, potentially increasing the protein count. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, but it's essential to be mindful of your portion sizes and balance it with other nutrients.
General Tso Chicken Ingredients
The ingredients in General Tso Chicken typically include chicken breast, cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, and dried chili peppers. While these ingredients are relatively common in Chinese cuisine, the sauce used in General Tso Chicken is typically high in sugar and sodium. If you're concerned about these ingredients, it's essential to be mindful of your portion sizes or search for lighter alternatives.
General Tso Chicken Serving Size
The serving size of General Tso Chicken varies depending on the recipe or restaurant. However, a typical serving is around 3-4 oz, which contains approximately 174-232 calories, 7.2-9.6g of fat, 20.4-27.2g of carbohydrates, and 21.6-28.8g of protein. If you're watching your calorie, fat, or carbohydrate intake, it's essential to be mindful of your portion sizes or search for lighter alternatives.
Health Benefits of General Tso Chicken
While General Tso Chicken may not be the healthiest dish, it does contain some essential nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, it's essential to be mindful of the sauce's added sugar and sodium content. If you're concerned about your health, it's best to limit your intake of General Tso Chicken or search for healthier alternatives.
Tips for Making General Tso Chicken
If you're looking to make General Tso Chicken at home, here are some tips to consider:
- Use skinless chicken breast to reduce the fat content.
- Avoid deep-frying the chicken and opt for baking or grilling instead.
- Use low-sugar or sugar-free sauces to reduce the carbohydrate and calorie count.
- Be mindful of your portion sizes and balance your meal with other nutrients, such as vegetables or whole grains.
Is General Tso Chicken Healthy?
While General Tso Chicken may contain some essential nutrients, it's typically high in calories, fat, sugar, and sodium. If you're looking to improve your health, it's best to limit your intake of General Tso Chicken or search for lighter alternatives.
Alternatives to General Tso Chicken
If you're looking for a lighter alternative to General Tso Chicken, consider these options:
- Grilled or baked chicken breast with a light soy or teriyaki sauce
- Stir-fried chicken with vegetables and a low-sugar sauce
- Steamed chicken with ginger and scallions
While General Tso Chicken may be delicious, it's essential to be mindful of its nutritional content.
5 FAQ About 1 oz General Tso (General Gau) Chicken
1. What is General Tso (General Gau) Chicken?
General Tso (General Gau) Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish made of battered and fried chicken that is then coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. It is typically served with rice and vegetables.
2. How many calories are in 1 oz of General Tso (General Gau) Chicken?
There are approximately 58 calories in 1 oz of General Tso (General Gau) Chicken. This can vary depending on the ingredients and preparation method used.
3. Is General Tso (General Gau) Chicken healthy?
General Tso (General Gau) Chicken is not considered a healthy food option due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a treat rather than as a regular part of a healthy diet.
4. What are some alternatives to General Tso (General Gau) Chicken?
Some healthier alternatives to General Tso (General Gau) Chicken include grilled or baked chicken with a homemade sauce made from healthier ingredients such as soy sauce, honey, and ginger. You can also try using tofu or lean meats like chicken breast or turkey as a substitute.
5. How can you make General Tso (General Gau) Chicken healthier?
To make General Tso (General Gau) Chicken healthier, you can try baking or grilling the chicken instead of frying it. You can also use a sugar-free or low-sugar sauce and add extra vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition.