General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli

General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli Recipe - Authentic Chinese Dish

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli is a popular Chinese-American dish that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful sauce. This dish is a favorite among many for its sweet and spicy flavors.

History

General Tso's Chicken is believed to have been created in the 1950s by Chef Peng Chang-kuei, a Chinese chef who was living in Taiwan at the time. The dish was named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a Qing dynasty military leader. It gained popularity in the United States in the 1970s and has since become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine.

Ingredients

1 can (14.5 oz (411 g)) of fat-free reduced sodium chicken broth
4 tbsp of cornstarch
2 tbsp of hot chili sauce
2 tbsp of firmly packed brown sugar
1.5 tbsp of rice wine vinegar or white vinegar
0.75 lb (340 g) of boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded 0.25 inch-thick and thinly sliced
2 tsp of reduced sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp of Promise™ Buttery Spread
2 cups of cooked and drained broccoli florets

How to prepare

In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, 2 tbsp of cornstarch, hot chili sauce, sugar, and vinegar; set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, then toss with the remaining 2 tbsp of cornstarch until evenly coated.
In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, melt the Promise™ Buttery Spread over medium-high heat and cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Remove the chicken to a serving platter and keep warm.
In the same skillet, bring the broth mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute or until thickened.
Add the broccoli and toss to coat.
Cook for 1 minute or until heated through.
Pour the sauce over the chicken.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.
Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra vegetables.
Adjust the amount of hot chili sauce for a spicier or milder dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pound the chicken thinly to ensure even cooking.

- Tossing the chicken in cornstarch before cooking helps to create a crispy coating.

- Be sure to cook the chicken until it is thoroughly cooked to avoid any food safety issues.

- Adjust the amount of hot chili sauce to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the chicken ensures that it cooks quickly and retains its moisture.

- Simmering the sauce helps to thicken it and infuse the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular butter instead of Promise™ Buttery Spread.

- Substitute honey for brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time for a quicker cooking process.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli with a side of egg rolls or crab rangoon for a complete Chinese-American meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and may contain gluten if soy sauce is used.

Summary

General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful sauce. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a cold winter day and my friend had invited me over for dinner. As soon as I walked into her house, the delicious aroma of General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli hit me like a wave. I couldn't wait to taste it.

My friend, Mary, was a fantastic cook. She had learned the recipe from her Chinese grandmother who had immigrated to the U.S. many years ago. Mary had shared the recipe with me and I was eager to learn how to make it myself.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli. It was a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, with tender pieces of chicken and crisp broccoli. I asked Mary how she had learned to make such a delicious dish.

She smiled and told me the story of how her grandmother had taught her the recipe when she was a little girl. Her grandmother had grown up in China and had brought her culinary skills with her when she moved to America. She had passed down her knowledge of traditional Chinese dishes to her grandchildren, including Mary.

I was fascinated by the story and asked Mary if she would teach me how to make General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli. She agreed and we spent the next few hours in her kitchen, chopping vegetables, marinating the chicken, and stir-frying everything together in a wok.

As we cooked, Mary shared more stories about her grandmother and the traditions she had passed down to her family. I was inspired by the love and care that went into each dish and knew that I wanted to learn more about different cuisines and cooking techniques.

After a few tries, I finally mastered the recipe for General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli. I was so proud of myself and couldn't wait to share it with my own family. They loved it just as much as I did and I knew that this dish would become a staple in our household.

Over the years, I continued to experiment with different recipes and learn new cooking techniques. I traveled to different countries, took cooking classes, and even started my own recipe book with all of my favorite dishes.

Whenever I make General Tso's Chicken and Broccoli now, I think back to that cold winter day when I first tasted it at Mary's house. It reminds me of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that I have acquired over the years and I know that my passion for cooking will continue to grow. I hope to pass down my recipes and stories to future generations, just like Mary's grandmother did for her.

So, the next time you try a new recipe or taste a delicious dish, remember that behind every bite is a story waiting to be told. And who knows, maybe you'll discover a new favorite recipe that will become a tradition in your own family for years to come.