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+ servings
General Tso Sauce

Deliciously Easy General Tso Sauce for Your Next Feast

This General Tso Sauce is a delightful homemade blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, perfect for a quick family meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: American Chinese
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or firm tofu for a vegetarian option
  • 1 large Egg or flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water)
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch or potato starch for different texture
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free flour as substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Salt low-sodium variety if preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper adjust according to taste
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil for frying, any neutral oil works
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce low-sodium for healthier option
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar or apple cider vinegar as substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar or brown sugar for richer flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce vegan version can be used
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or Water vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil omit if allergy concerns
Aromatics
  • 1 tablespoon Minced Ginger fresh is best
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced or use garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust according to spice preference
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds can be omitted if desired
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions adds freshness

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • thermometer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with the beaten egg, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix until every piece is well-coated. Allow to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.
  2. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, filling it about 1 inch deep. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Carefully place the marinated chicken into the hot oil in batches, frying for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, hoisin sauce, chicken broth (or water), and cornstarch until well combined.
  5. In another skillet, heat vegetable and sesame oil over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the ginger and garlic. Bring to a simmer, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
  7. Taste the sauce and stir in red pepper flakes to match your preferred heat level.
  8. Once the sauce has thickened, gently toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
  9. Let the chicken and sauce simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes on low heat.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 20gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain flavor.

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