Craving the spicy and tangy taste of General Tso Chicken but worried about the calorie intake? Look no further! One serving of 100g General Tso Chicken contains only 203 calories, making it a guilt-free meal option.

Not only is General Tso Chicken tasty, it also offers several nutritional benefits. It is a great source of protein, vitamin A and iron. However, it's important to note that this dish is often high in sodium and sugar due to the use of soy sauce and sugar in the sauce.

In this article, we'll delve into the history, ingredients and health benefits of General Tso Chicken, as well as provide tips on how to make this delicious dish at home.

The Origin of General Tso Chicken

General Tso chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that has gained worldwide recognition. It is said to be named after the famous 19th-century Chinese military leader, General Tso or Zuo Zongtang. However, the dish did not originate in China and its true origins are debated among food historians. One theory suggests that it was created by the Taiwanese chef Peng Chang-kuei in the 1950s and brought to the United States in the 1970s. Another theory states that it was invented by Chinese immigrants in New York City in the early 20th century. Regardless of its origins, General Tso Chicken has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine and is enjoyed by many across the globe.

Nutritional Information of General Tso Chicken

A serving of 100g General Tso Chicken contains 203 calories, 12g of fat, 5g of saturated fat, 16g of carbohydrates, 0.7g of fiber, 11g of sugar, and 9g of protein. It also packs a punch with 697mg of sodium, which is 30% of the daily recommended intake. Although it is a good source of protein, vitamin A, and iron, the high sodium and sugar content in the sauce can be concerning. One way to reduce the sodium and sugar is by making the dish at home and using low-sodium soy sauce and less sugar in the sauce.

Ingredients present in General Tso Chicken

The ingredients used to make General Tso Chicken vary based on the recipe but typically include chicken breast, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, dried red chilies or chili paste, and sugar. The dish is typically made by marinating the chicken, coating it in cornstarch, and frying until crispy. The sauce is then made separately by stir-frying ginger, garlic, and dried chilies in oil before adding soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sugar. The fried chicken is then tossed in the sauce before serving.

How to make General Tso Chicken at home

Making General Tso Chicken at home is easy and a healthier alternative to takeout. To prepare, mix together 1 pound of chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Let it marinate for 30 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Set aside. Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches and cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil, ginger, garlic, and dried chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds before adding the sauce mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens, then add the chicken back in and toss to coat. Serve hot with rice or vegetables.

Authentic Chinese Recipe of General Tso Chicken

Although General Tso Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish, it is not commonly found in China. However, there are many variations of the dish in China that are worth trying. One authentic recipe of General Tso Chicken is called Gong Bao Chicken, which is a Sichuan dish made with diced chicken, peanuts, and vegetables. It is typically spicier than the American version and is often garnished with Sichuan peppercorns.

Variations of General Tso Chicken

Although the traditional General Tso Chicken recipe is loved by many, there are several variations of the dish that offer a different twist. Some popular variations include General Tso Tofu for a vegetarian option, General Tso Shrimp for seafood lovers, and General Tso Cauliflower for a low-carb option.

Side dishes to pair with General Tso Chicken

General Tso Chicken is often served with rice, but there are several side dishes that can complement the dish. For a healthy option, pair it with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy. For a carb-loaded option, serve it with fried rice or chow mein. Egg rolls or pot stickers make great appetizers to start the meal off.

History of General Tso Chicken in America

General Tso Chicken was first introduced to the United States in the early 1970s and has since become one of the most popular Chinese dishes in America. The dish gained widespread popularity after the opening of Hunan restaurant in New York City in 1972, which served a version of General Tso Chicken on their menu. The dish was then popularized in the 1990s by Chinese-American chefs such as Martin Yan on the television show Yan Can Cook.

Different ways to cook General Tso Chicken

Although the traditional method of making General Tso Chicken involves deep-frying the chicken, there are several healthier ways to cook the dish. One way is to bake the chicken in the oven instead of frying it. Another option is to air fry the chicken, which creates a similar crispy texture without the added oil. Additionally, using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing the sugar content in the sauce can help make the dish healthier.

Health benefits of General Tso Chicken

General Tso Chicken offers several health benefits when consumed in moderation. It is a great source of protein, which is necessary for building and repairing muscles. It also contains vitamin A, which supports healthy skin and eyes, and iron, which is important for red blood cell production. However, the high sodium and sugar content in the dish can be concerning. To make the dish healthier, opt for homemade versions with low-sodium soy sauce and reduced sugar in the sauce. Additionally, pairing the dish with steamed vegetables can increase the nutritional value while reducing the calorie intake.