Whip up your own General Tso's Sauce in under 10 minutes! This all-purpose Chinese sauce brings a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors to your dishes. Crafted with ingredients like sesame oil, ginger, and hoisin, it's great for dipping, drizzling over your favorite General Tso's Chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and adds a bold taste to stir-fries. Quick, easy, and deliciously authentic!
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Ingredients & Substitutions Overview
To make this flavorful General Tso's Sauce, you might need to visit an Asian grocery store for a few special ingredients, though many are available at your local supermarket. Here's what you'll need:
- Sesame Oil: This adds a nutty, earthy flavor to your sauce.
- Ginger and Garlic: Freshly minced for a vibrant aroma and taste. Powdered versions are a fine substitute if fresh isn't available.
- Soy and Hoisin Sauce: Soy sauce is often in local grocery stores, but Hoisin may require a trip to an Asian market.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Used for heat, you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
- Shaoxing Wine or Rice Vinegar: The original recipe may call for wine, but rice vinegar works well, especially if served to children or those who prefer it non-alcoholic.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor, but vegetable stock can be used for a vegan version.
- Brown and White Sugar: For sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Dry Red Chilies: These provide a spicy kick to the sauce. Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Used to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
How to make General Tso's Sauce?
Ready to craft a delicious General Tso's Sauce that'll elevate your meals with its sweet, spicy, and tangy profile? Follow along with our easy video tutorial and step-by-step images below to create this classic Chinese condiment right in your kitchen.
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General Tso's Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Ginger, minced
- 2 tsp Garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp White Sugar
- 2 tsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 4 Dry Red Chili
- ½ cup Chicken Broth
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce, low sodium
- 2 tsp Hoisin Sauce
- 2 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Cornstarch , 1 tsp cornstarch diluted in 3 tsp water
Instructions
To Make General Tso Sauce
- In a pan over medium heat, add oil along with ginger, garlic, and dry red chili. Sauté until they release their aroma.
- Stir in the white and brown sugar until they blend and caramelize.
- Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes, and rice vinegar, combining them thoroughly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stir briefly, and let it come to a boil for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Mix in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, take the pan off the heat. Your homemade General Tso's Sauce is now ready.
To Serve
- Enjoy this Homemade General Tso Sauce as a vibrant dip for appetizers or a flavorful condiment for chicken, seafood, or vegetable dishes.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Flavor Balance: Achieve the signature sweet and spicy taste by using a mix of chili flakes, white, and brown sugar. Stick with these for the most authentic flavor profile.
- Sauce Substitutions: Hoisin sauce adds sweetness and depth, but if it's out of reach, try chili bean sauce as a substitute. It will still lend that savory kick.
- Shaoxing Wine Alternative: If you don't have this traditional Chinese wine, rice vinegar can provide a pleasant tanginess to your sauce. Don't hesitate to use it instead.
- Vegan Adaptation: Opt for vegetable stock and a vegan-friendly soy sauce to make a delicious vegan version of this sauce.
- Versatile Use: Whether you use it as a dipping sauce for snacks or to jazz up your main dishes with chicken, seafood, vegetables, or tofu, this General Tso's Sauce is guaranteed to enhance your meal with its robust flavor.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer: We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.
Storage Suggestions
To keep your General Tso's Sauce fresh, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. When you're ready to savor it, simply reheat the necessary amount and mix it with your favorite proteins or vegetables for a delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions
Dip, drizzle, or douse your favorite dishes with this versatile General Tso's Sauce. It's perfect for jazzing up appetizers like popcorn chicken or samosas. Or use it to add a zesty twist to your chicken, seafood, veg, or tofu recipes. The possibilities are deliciously endless!
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