Mean Guy's General Tso's Chicken

Kirstin in the Couv's Note:

This is an adoptee. I have made it many many times and want to be able to help people out when they make it! One of the best I've ever had. Takes some time, but oh so worth it. Good eats ;-)

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 lb chicken thigh , boned and cubed
• 3 eggs , beaten
• ½ cup cornstarch , plus
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 5 dried chili pods
• 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons rice wine
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, thoroughly blend the 1/2 cup of cornstarch and the eggs; add the chicken and toss to coat.
2. If the mixture is too thick, add some vegetable oil to separate the pieces.
3. In a small bowl, prepare the sauce mixture by combining the 2 tsp cornstarch with the wine, vinegar, sugar and soy sauce.
4. First-Stage Frying: Heat 1-2 inches of peanut oil in a wok to medium-high heat (350-400).
5. Fry the chicken in small batches, just long enough to cook the chicken through.
6. Remove the chicken to absorbent paper and allow to stand (this step can be performed well in advance, along with the sauce mixture, with both refrigerated).
7. Second-Stage Frying: Leave a tablespoon or two of the oil in the wok.
8. Add the pepper pods to the oil and stir-fry briefly, awakening the aroma but not burning them.
9. Return the chicken to the wok and stir-fry until the pieces are crispy brown.
10. The General's Favorite Sauce: Add the sauce-mixture to the wok, tossing over the heat until the sauce caramelizes into a glaze (1-2 minutes).
11. Serve immediately.
12. Serves 4, along with steamed broccoli and rice.

Reviews

[Puckhead]

This is the best General Tso recipe out there!!! The taste was marvelous! It tastes so much better than a buffet or what not. I mad a few adjustments though. I used boneless skinless chicken breast instead of thighs.(highly recommended) and I didn’t have any chili pods so I substituted dried red peppers (like the stuff you put on pizza). It turned out beautiful! It was very easy to make as well. This was the first time I’ve made it and I had absolutely no trouble. If you love General Tso chicken YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS!!! Mean Chef you’re the king!

[Elizabeth Fullerton]

The taste was great. I wasn't sure what type of chile pods to use, so I just picked up the dried New Mexico chiles. I liked it a lot. Now I don't have to go out for Chinese with this recipe.

[bratty]

This General's Chicken was the best I've ever had, and I made it! I did substite boneless, skinless chicken breast for the chicken thighs, but otherwise followed it to the letter. I've made serveral versions of this recipe, and this is by far the best. Don't be intimidated by this recipe, it really is fairly easy to put together, and you won't be disappointed!