General Tso's chicken is a beloved American-Chinese dish, and the key to its success lies in the sauce. This isn't your average sweet and sour; it's a complex blend of sweet, spicy, savory, and tangy flavors that create an addictive umami punch. This guide will walk you through creating a restaurant-quality General Tso's chicken sauce from scratch, answering all your burning questions along the way.
What are the main ingredients in General Tso's sauce?
The foundation of a great General Tso's sauce rests on a few key ingredients:
- Soy sauce: Provides saltiness and umami depth. Look for a high-quality soy sauce for the best flavor.
- Rice vinegar: Offers a bright acidity that balances the sweetness.
- Sugar: Typically granulated white sugar or brown sugar is used for sweetness. The type influences the overall flavor profile.
- Ginger and garlic: Essential aromatics that provide pungent warmth and depth. Freshly minced is always best.
- Chili garlic sauce: This adds the heat and a touch of sweetness. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
- Cornstarch slurry: This is crucial for thickening the sauce to the perfect glossy consistency.
While these are the core ingredients, variations exist, and many recipes incorporate additional elements like sesame oil for nutty fragrance or oyster sauce for extra umami.
How do you make General Tso's sauce thick?
The secret to that signature glossy, thick sauce lies in the cornstarch slurry. This is a simple mixture of cornstarch and cold water, whisked together until smooth. It's crucial to add the slurry slowly and constantly whisk while adding it to the simmering sauce. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, even thickening. Don't boil the sauce after adding the slurry; simply simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.
Is General Tso's sauce gluten-free?
Traditional General Tso's sauce is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce. Always check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
Can you make General Tso's sauce ahead of time?
Yes! One of the beauties of this sauce is that it can be made ahead of time. Make it a day or two in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and simply reheat it gently before serving. The flavors will actually meld and deepen over time.
What is the best way to store General Tso's sauce?
Store leftover General Tso's sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Avoid storing it in open containers to prevent spoilage and the sauce from drying out.
What can I use instead of cornstarch in General Tso's sauce?
While cornstarch is the traditional thickener, you can experiment with other options like arrowroot powder or tapioca starch. These will provide a slightly different texture but still achieve a thickened sauce. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the amount depending on the thickening power of your chosen substitute.
Recipe for Restaurant-Style General Tso's Sauce
This recipe yields approximately 1.5 cups of sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons finely minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions:
- Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili garlic sauce, ginger, and garlic in a medium saucepan. Add sesame oil if using.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
- Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce.
- Continue to simmer, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (about 1-2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
This recipe provides a delicious and authentic General Tso's sauce. Remember to adjust the spice level and sweetness to your liking. Enjoy!
