~~chung tong gai~~
(General Tso's Chicken)
From the Kitchen of Char, MS
1 lg egg, beaten
1/4 tsp salt
Pinch freshly ground white pepper
2 Tbs cornstarch
1 1/2 lbs boneless/skinless thighs (dark meat)
cut into 1-inch cubes
For the sauce:
2 1/2 Tbs dark soy sauce or mushroom soy sauce
1 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbs minced fresh ginger
2 Tbs hoisin sauce
3 tsp sugar
3 tsp Chinese white rice vinegar or distilled
vinegar
1 1/2 tsp Shao-Hsing wine or dry sherry
*Can use water instead of alcohol
1 Tbs cornstarch, for dusting
8 small dried hot chili peppers
*can use less (HOT & SPICY with 8!!)
1/4 cup finely sliced scallion
3 1/2 cups peanut or cooking oil for deep frying
and stir frying (I pan fry with MUCH less oil)
In a bowl, mix together the egg, salt, and pepper,
and 2 Tbs cornstarch. Add the chicken cubes, mix
to coat, and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients
and reserve.
Heat a wok over high heat. Add oil and heat to
350 degrees Fahrenheit. With tongs, remove the
chicken cubes individually, dust with 1 tablespoon
cornstarch, and place in the oil. Deep-fry for
1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the chicken is browned
and crisp. Turn off the heat. Remove the chicken
with a Chinese strainer and drain over a bowl.
Pour off all but 1 1/2 Tbs of the oil from the
wok. (I pan fry instead of deep fry and use MUCH
less oil!)
Heat the wok or pan over high heat for 20 seconds.
When a wisp of white smoke appears, add the
chilies and stir for 15 seconds. Add the scallion
and stir for 30 seconds. Add the chicken and
cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir the sauce
mixture, pour into the wok, stir well, and
cook until the chicken cubes are completely
coated with sauce, about 1 1/2 minutes. Turn
off the heat, transfer to a heated dish, and
serve.
Great with steamed white rice and steamed broccoli.
** The amount of chilies this recipe calls for is
rather standard fair...BEWARE, it is HOT! Use
less if you do not like a burning sensation in
your mouth. ;) I would use about 3-4 and remove
them before serving, especially for the
children's sake!
