Name: Ground General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 8 ounces canned water chestnuts, diced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce; 1/4 cup water; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Introduction

Ground General Tso’s Chicken is a quick and flavorful twist on the classic takeout favorite. Using ground chicken makes this dish easier and faster to prepare, while still delivering the sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors you love.

A red-handled white enamel pan filled with a thick layer of cooked ground meat mixed with diced garlic and covered in a rich, brown sauce with small bits of seasoning scattered throughout, placed on a wooden surface next to an open can filled with pale round slices, all set on a white marbled texture background with a white cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
8 ounces canned water chestnuts, diced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and diced water chestnuts.
Step 2: Cook until a good crust forms on the chicken before breaking it apart. Then break the chicken apart with a spatula and cook for another 2–3 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 3: Add the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sugar, and cornstarch to make the General Tso’s sauce.
Step 5: Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken. Bring it to a boil and cook for just a few seconds, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

Tips & Variations

Substitute ground turkey or pork for the chicken for a different protein option.
Add chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and texture.
Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness to your taste.
Serve over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover Ground General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally while reheating to maintain an even texture.

How to Serve

A white round plate holds three main parts: on the right half, there is a neat pile of white fluffy rice with separated grains; on the bottom left, a thick layer of glossy, dark brown minced meat sauce with small pieces of onions mixed in, topped with a few white sesame seeds; above the sauce, two light beige steamed dumplings with pleated tops; the plate rests on a white marbled textured surface. In the background, part of a pan filled with the same meat sauce and a can with round white items are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make the dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Is it possible to prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can whisk the sauce ingredients together in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add it to the cooked chicken when ready to serve.