Exploring the Sweet and Spicy Flavors of General Tso’s Chicken.

Discover the intriguing history behind this popular Chinese-American dish, named after a famous Chinese military leader, General Tso.

[{"selector":"#anim-5dc579c9-9aed-4213-9ec6-9e75a4d5bf29","keyframes":[{"offset":0,"transform":"translate3d(0, -340.62718%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.29,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.45,"transform":"translate3d(0, -95.784363016%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.61,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.71,"transform":"translate3d(0, -32.563958408000005%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.8,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.85,"transform":"translate3d(0, -12.228515762%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.92,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.96,"transform":"translate3d(0, -5.313784008%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":1,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"}],"delay":0,"duration":600,"fill":"both"}]

General Tso’s Chicken is known for its balance of sweetness from sugar and spiciness from chili peppers, creating an irresistible flavor.

[{"selector":"#anim-8238dff9-5c8e-4b3f-9bc2-856721ee31e7","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Explore the key ingredients, including soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, and garlic, which combine to make the dish unique.

[{"selector":"#anim-dccc20a2-a3d9-4a45-85a1-a14d24a299af","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3ed6c2ba-6436-4bc2-a937-c557602437aa","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.66666%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

The signature crispy texture of the chicken is achieved through a light batter that is fried until golden brown, adding to the dish's appeal.

[{"selector":"#anim-e2a5a679-68b8-4049-a1b5-f55c1c99a85b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2717d50c-c8d4-49ec-bc87-9b832cc7250e","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -357.19159%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Different restaurants add their twist, from adjusting the spice level to altering the sauce consistency, making every version of the dish unique.

[{"selector":"#anim-70c20f0f-20d7-4f1e-af48-1f237dbfc923","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ecc79fed-c728-4a3f-8011-c71a97304677","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 203.20386%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Pairing the dish with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or spring rolls enhances the dining experience.

[{"selector":"#anim-3126ef34-6a1d-404c-86c6-40e5582bbb52","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}]

General Tso’s Chicken became a staple in Chinese-American restaurants, solidifying its place as a favorite takeout dish.

[{"selector":"#anim-4f983c1c-7fe7-4679-b30c-b6a73baba585","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-121.33333%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.2, 0, .8, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-92f50f9d-73e5-46df-92c8-4a60f5f04a4d","keyframes":{"transform":["rotateZ(-180deg)","rotateZ(0deg)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.2, 0, .5, 1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Recreate the dish in your kitchen with simple ingredients, providing a way to enjoy this flavorful classic without leaving home.

[{"selector":"#anim-9e5075ee-203d-4466-a228-8b3f67649ceb","keyframes":{"transform":["rotate(-540deg) scale(0.1)","none"],"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"fill":"both","iterations":1}]

stay connected Learn more