Emily Carter
General Tso's chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that can be found in Chinese restaurants worldwide. The dish consists of fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, savoury, and spicy sauce, usually served with rice and greens on the side. While the dish is said to originate from the Hunan province of China, it is not commonly found in Hunanese restaurants, and its exact origins remain disputed. Multiple chefs have claimed to have invented the dish, including Peng Chang-kuei, who introduced it in his New York restaurant Uncle Peng's Hunan Yuan in the 1970s, and T.T. Wang, who claimed to have created it in New York's Shun Lee Palaces in 1972. With its combination of crispy chicken and tangy sauce, General Tso's chicken has become a beloved takeout and dine-in option, with many restaurants offering their own unique versions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | The dish is claimed to have originated in Hunan Province, China, and was named after a well-respected Chinese military leader, General Tso (also known as Zuo Zongtang). However, there is no credible claim that General Tso ever ate this dish, and it is widely believed to have been created in the USA, particularly in New York City, by Chinese immigrant chefs. |
| Inventors | There are conflicting claims about who invented General Tso's chicken. Two Chinese chefs, Peng Chang-kuei and T.T. Wang, each claimed to have invented it in New York City. Peng introduced the dish in his restaurant "Uncle Peng's Hunan Yuan" on East 44th Street, New York City, in 1973. Meanwhile, T.T. Wang claimed he invented it in 1972 at New York's Shun Lee Palaces. |
| Recipe | General Tso's chicken consists of fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce. The chicken is usually boneless and skinless, and the sauce is made with ingredients like rice vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, chicken stock, and cornflour/cornstarch. The dish is often served with steamed rice and vegetables on the side. |
| Popularity | General Tso's chicken is extremely popular in the United States, especially in Chinese-American restaurants and takeout joints. It has also gained popularity worldwide, with variations of the dish appearing on restaurant menus globally. |
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What You'll Learn
The origins of General Tso's chicken
There are several conflicting stories about the origins of General Tso's chicken. The dish is said to have been created by either Peng Chang-kuei or T.T. Wang, two Chinese chefs in New York City.
Peng Chang-kuei, a chef from Hunan, claimed that he invented the dish in Taipei before introducing it to New York City in 1973 when he opened the restaurant "Uncle Peng's Hunan Yuan" on East 44th Street. Peng's version of the story claims that in 1952, he was invited by the Republic of China Navy to be in charge of a three-day state banquet during Admiral Arthur W. Radford's visit to Taiwan. Peng stated that General Tso's chicken was served on the third day of the banquet. However, according to U.S. diplomatic records, Radford's visit took place in June 1953. Another story, proposed by Taiwanese food writer Zhu Zhenfan, suggests that Peng created the dish by improvising with limited ingredients when Chiang Ching-kuo, the son of President Chiang Kai-shek, made a late visit to his restaurant. When Peng introduced General Tso's chicken at his restaurant in Hunan in the 1990s, locals found the dish too sweet, and the restaurant quickly closed.
On the other hand, T.T. Wang, a Chinese immigrant chef, is also credited with inventing General Tso's chicken in 1972 at New York's Shun Lee Palaces, located at 155 E. 55th St. and 43 W. 65th St. Michael Tong, the owner of Shun Lee Palaces, claims that they were the first Hunanese restaurant in the country and that their menu items, including General Tso's chicken, can now be found in Hunanese restaurants across America.
Despite these conflicting claims, it is generally agreed that the dish originated from the Hunan province of China and was named after Zuo Zongtang (Tso Tsung-t'ang), a Qing dynasty statesman and military leader from Hunan. Chef Eileen Yin-Fei Lo, in her book The Chinese Kitchen, speculates that the name "Zongtang" may not refer to Zuo Zongtang but rather to the homophone "zongtang," meaning "the hall of the ancestors."
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The best way to cook General Tso's chicken
General Tso's Chicken is a Chinese-American dish that is said to have originated from the Hunan province of China. It was introduced in New York City by two Chinese chefs, Peng Chang-kuei and T.T. Wang, each claiming to have invented the dish. The dish is named after a well-respected Chinese military leader, General Tso.
Now, let's get into the best way to cook this mouth-watering dish!
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Rice vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Hoisin sauce
- Sesame oil
- Chicken stock
- Cornflour/cornstarch
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Pepper flakes
- Scallions
- Broccoli (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
First, cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Next, toss the chicken with cornstarch, tapping off the excess, and set it aside. Combine all the ingredients for your sauce in a separate dish and whisk until combined. Preheat a non-stick skillet with oil and cook the chicken in batches until golden on both sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more oil as needed.
Now, add at least 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and sauté the garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes until fragrant. Add the sauce to the skillet and bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally. You can let it simmer for a minute to cook off the vinegar a little, or longer if you prefer a more toned-down vinegar flavor. Finally, toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Serving Tips:
General Tso's Chicken is best served immediately as the sauce tends to absorb into the crispy outer layer, making it soggy if it sits too long. For a refreshing side dish, try serving it with a Ginger Smashed Cucumber Salad or any fresh leafy greens.
Customization:
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference. You can also experiment with different types of meat, such as beef or pork cubes, for a unique twist.
General Tso's Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and spicy flavors of this takeout favorite any time you crave it!
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The best side dishes to serve with General Tso's chicken
General Tso's chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that was introduced in New York City by two Chinese chefs, Peng Chang-kuei and T.T. Wang, in the early 1970s. The dish combines sweet, savoury, spicy, and tangy flavours with crispy Chinese chicken bites, making it a beloved takeout option.
When serving General Tso's chicken, you might want to consider the following side dishes to enhance your dining experience:
Rice
Rice is a classic choice to accompany General Tso's chicken. You can opt for white rice, or explore other varieties such as Instant Pot brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower fried rice. Rice provides a neutral base that complements the bold flavours of the chicken without overwhelming the dish.
Salads and Vegetables
Salads and vegetables can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavours of General Tso's chicken. A Ginger Smashed Cucumber Salad is a perfect pairing, offering a crisp and cool sensation to balance the spiciness of the dish. You can also opt for a simple fresh salad with leafy greens, or steamed greens with an Asian sesame dressing.
Egg Rolls and Dumplings
For a heartier meal, you can include side dishes such as egg rolls or dumplings. Pork dumplings or veggie egg rolls can provide a delicious contrast in textures and flavours, making the dining experience more diverse and satisfying.
Noodle Dishes
Noodle-based sides can also be a great addition to your General Tso's chicken feast. Stir-fried noodles with vegetables or a simple lo mein dish can round out the meal, providing a different texture and flavour profile to complement the chicken.
Other Grains
If you're looking for an alternative to rice, you can explore other grains such as farro, barley, or couscous. These grains can be cooked with Asian-inspired flavours and spices to tie the whole meal together.
Remember, when planning your sides, consider the portion size of the General Tso's chicken and the number of people you're serving. You can create a delightful banquet with a variety of sides, ensuring that your guests can sample a range of flavours and textures alongside the star of the show – the delicious General Tso's chicken.
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The best places to eat General Tso's chicken in New York
New York is known for its diverse food scene, and when it comes to finding the best General Tso's chicken, there are several places that stand out. Here are some of the top spots to satisfy your cravings for this classic Chinese-American dish in New York City:
Brooklyn Wok Shop
Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Wok Shop is a labour of love owned by the married couple Edrik and Melissa Har. Their General Tso's chicken is a must-try. The chicken is elegantly battered and coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfectly balancing flavour and texture. The dish is prepared without MSG, making it a healthier option. Served with roasted broccoli, this version of General Tso's chicken is a tasty twist on the traditional dish.
Shanghai Asian Cuisine
Shanghai Asian Cuisine in Chinatown is a small restaurant that packs a big punch with its delicious food and reasonable prices. Their General Tso's chicken is described as delightfully spicy, and the portions are generous. The restaurant offers a range of dishes that cater to different tastes, and the food is considered by some to be even better than what you'd find in China!
China Gourmet
If you're looking for a more casual option, China Gourmet is a restaurant that specialises in delivery and takeout. Their General Tso's chicken is tender and juicy, with a sauce that's not too sweet or spicy. At just $6.15 for a lunch portion, it's an affordable and satisfying option.
New Bodhai
For a vegetarian twist on General Tso's chicken, head to New Bodhai in Flushing. This completely vegetarian Chinese restaurant has a loyal following, even among carnivores. You can customise your spice level and sugar preference, making it a versatile option.
Ocean Palace
Located in New York's Capital Region, Ocean Palace is a popular choice for American Chinese food. They are known for their delicious General Tso's chicken and their supporting cast of amazing fried rice and vegetable dishes. It's a great spot for adventurous eaters who want to explore new flavours.
So, whether you're in the mood for a cosy dine-in experience or a quick takeout option, these restaurants will surely satisfy your cravings for mouth-watering General Tso's chicken in New York.
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The best places to eat General Tso's chicken in Hunan
Although General Tso's chicken is named after a Hunanese military leader, it is not a traditional Hunanese dish and is rarely found on the menus of Hunanese restaurants. In fact, when chef Peng Chang-kuei—the inventor of General Tso's chicken—opened a restaurant in Hunan in the 1990s, the locals found the dish too sweet and the restaurant quickly closed.
However, some of Hunan's cosmopolitan culinary elite now claim it as a historical dish. If you are part of this elite or simply visiting Hunan and craving some General Tso's chicken, there are a few options. Firstly, you could try Peng Yuan Hunan Restaurant in Taipei, which chef Peng opened in the 1980s. Now a restaurant chain with nine locations, it specialises in wedding banquets and special events.
Alternatively, you could try making it at home. There are plenty of recipes online, including one by The Woks of Life, which claims to have perfected the recipe after many years in Chinese restaurant kitchens.
If you are set on eating out, you could try Hunan Garden, which is mentioned by The Woks of Life as a restaurant that may be wondering if you skipped town after you make their General Tso's chicken recipe. However, they do not confirm whether this restaurant is in Hunan.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several restaurants that claim to be the first to serve General Tso's chicken, including New York's Shun Lee Palaces, Uncle Peng's Hunan Yuan, and Uncle Peng in Taipei. However, it is hard to determine which restaurant has the best General Tso's chicken as it is a matter of personal preference.
General Tso's chicken is a dish consisting of crispy, sauce-covered chunks of chicken in a sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy sauce, often served with crunchy broccoli. It is a popular Chinese-American dish that is especially common in suburban Chinese restaurants.
General Tso's chicken is made by deep-frying chicken pieces and tossing them with a sauce. The sauce typically includes ingredients such as rice vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, chicken stock, and cornstarch. The chicken is often marinated before frying to add flavor and tenderness.
