How to make General Tso's Chicken

Why cooks start here

General Tso's Chicken is cooked the way Hunan-American tables cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a chinese family cook actually puts it on the table.

General Tso's Chicken, a beloved Hunan-American creation, finds its roots in the kitchens where Chinese families in America adapted traditional flavors to local palates. This dish, a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, often graces tables during casual family dinners, where the essence of home cooking comes alive with every shared bite. The dish delights with its balance of sweet and spicy notes, the chicken coated in a glossy, tangy glaze that clings to each piece. The heat from dried chilies subtly dances through the sauce, while ginger adds a warm undertone. Salt is added with care, and the generous use of oil ensures a satisfying richness, inviting a second helping.