General Tso's Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken

INGREDIENTS:

For the chicken
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs

1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tbsp neutral oil
1 tsp Jamaican all-purpose seasoning

¼ tsp MSG – optional

For the sauce
1/2 cup water
3 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
2-4 tbsp granulated sugar (according to taste)
2 tbsp white vinegar
2 tbsp low-sodium
1 tbsp gingery-mango Pickapeppa sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp ginger paste
2 tsp garlic paste
1/2 tsp Chinese 5-spice
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 scallion stalk, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) To the clean, cut chicken in a mixing it to a bowl, add the water, salt, baking soda, eggs, cornstarch, oil and Jamaican all-purpose seasoning. Mix well then set aside.

2) While the chicken marinates, heat oil to between 375 and 385 degrees, then fry in batches. After 5 minutes, take the chicken out to drain, then fry again for another 7 minutes until it gets golden brown and crispy. Optionally, sprinkle the fried chicken pieces with MSG.

3) Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes while making the sauce. In a measuring cup or bowl, mix together the water, ketchup, hoisin sauce, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, Pickapeppa sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, and Chinese 5-spice.

4) Pour the sauce mixture into a pan on medium-low heat with the chopped scallion. Stir, then allow to simmer until thickened to desired consistency.

5) Add the chicken to the sauce and coat thoroughly.

Serve with low mein or rice and a steamed veg, garnish with scallion. Enjoy!