General Tso’s Ground Chicken
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General Tso’s Ground Chicken is a simple dish with the same bold flavors as the traditional version but with a much easier method. This version uses ground chicken and skips the deep frying, making it a great option for a quick meal.
Brief History of General Tso’s
General Tso’s chicken is one of the most popular Asian dishes in the US. It’s a safe bet for first-timers trying Asian food for the first time. The slightly sweet and spicy sauce and crispy chicken satisfy most palates.
General Tso’s Chicken is a popular dish in American Chinese restaurants. It is named after General Tso Tsung-t’ang, a 19th-century Chinese military leader. However, the dish itself has no connection to him. It was created in the United States, influenced by Hunan-style cooking, and has since become a well-known takeout favorite.
While there’s no substitution for the ‘real’ General Tso’s, making my version at home is better for your health and on your wallet.
Nutritional Value of Ground Chicken
Ground chicken is a lean source of protein. It has less fat than ground beef but still provides important nutrients like iron and B vitamins. It’s also a good source of niacin, which helps with metabolism and energy production.
Ground chicken is a better choice for your health than beef.
PMc says:
This recipe works well for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy lunches. Serve it with rice, vegetables, or quinoa.
General Tso’s Ground Chicken Cooking Tips and Subs
Ground chicken cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent drying out. If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey or pork work well in this dish. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water. If you like more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a little sriracha. For a lower-sodium option, use reduced-sodium soy sauce.
General Tso’s Ground Chicken FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for a few days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.
What should I serve it with?
It goes well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. If you want a lighter option, serve it over cauliflower rice.
Can I use ground beef instead?
Yes, but the flavor will be different. Ground beef has more fat, which can change the texture and taste of the dish.
Conclusion
General Tso’s Ground Chicken is an easy way to enjoy a well-loved dish without deep frying. The bold sauce and simple preparation make it a great option for busy nights. With a few adjustments, you can customize it to your preference and make it part of your regular meal rotation.
General Tso’s Ground Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 8 ounces canned water chestnuts diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
General Tso’s Sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- To a large pan add 1 tablespoon oil, ground chicken and diced water chestnuts. Cook until a good crust forms before breaking apart, then finish cooking by breaking it apart with a spatula and cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the ginger, garlic and crushed red pepper and cook for about 10 seconds.
For the General Tso's Sauce:
- Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sugar and tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl and whisk together.
- Add the General Tso's sauce to the pan and bring to boil. Cook for just a few seconds, stirring until it thickens.
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.