Make a takeout classic at home with this sweet and tangy General Tso Sauce Recipe.
Like Mongolian beef, General Tso’s chicken is a must-have takeout menu item with a very confusing name. While there was a General Tso in the 19th century, it is a mystery why he gets credit for this dish. Most theories suggest American-Chinese restaurants used this name to grab people’s attention in the late 20th century—and, if that’s the case, it worked!
Recipes with General Tso sauce—particularly fried chicken—have gotten a lot of love over the past few decades. One reason could be that we’re all eating a little healthier these days. Although it’s convenient to order takeout from your local Chinese restaurant, there’s no way to control every ingredient that goes into their sauce. Besides, if you make it at home, you can spread the sauce on air-fried or baked chicken, which definitely lowers the calorie count.
I love Chinese takeout, but I’m mindful about what I eat and looking for ways to save money. And don’t worry—making homemade General Tso sauce is easy. While it takes a bit of mixing and whisking, you can certainly make your own version of General Tso sauce and pop it in the fridge for homemade recipes. Once you discover the sweet and spicy deliciousness of this velvety sauce, you’ll be using it on more than just chicken!
What is the difference between General Tso sauce and other Chinese sauces?
Some other sauce varieties lean more toward one flavor profile rather than striking a balance. For example, kung pao cranks up the heat with spicy ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns, while sweet-and-sour sauce omits the spice and can have a syrupy consistency—sesame sauce is also surprisingly sweet. Char siu sauce (aka Chinese BBQ) focuses on smoky, salty, and sweet ingredients, while black bean sauce is savory, earthy, and sweet.
It’s sometimes hard to precisely describe what sets General Tso sauce apart, but most foodies recognize its distinct profile when they taste it. A superb General Tso sauce boasts a complex interplay of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy notes, without any one flavor overwhelming your palate.
How do I store leftovers?
After your General Tso sauce has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for about 1 week before it loses its potency. If you don’t think you’ll use your General Tso sauce that quickly, you could put it in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 4 months without any issues. A great idea would be to freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
Serving suggestions
Fried chicken is the most popular pairing for General Tso sauce, and this Boneless Chicken Wings recipe works surprisingly well. All you need to do is pour the sauce on, and you’re good to go. However, many other proteins work, including grilled shrimp, pork, or even steak. For vegetarians and vegans, consider mixing General Tso with Crispy Baked Tofu and stir-fried broccoli, peppers, and carrots.
You can also use General Tso sauce as a quick and easy way to liven up your lunchtime by using it as a dip for these Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps or a Banh Mi Sandwich. While unconventional, consider dipping your favorite sushi or topping Vegetable Fried Rice with General Tso sauce for an extra dimension of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a medium pot, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Use immediately or let the sauce cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
How many servings does it make?
It should make 4 to 6 servings. Enjoy!