Lieutenant Tso’s Chicken

Why did I demote Tso from a General? Actually, this recipe is before he became a general. It’s been modified to a fried version so, therefore, it is not authentic Szechuan General Tso’s chicken, but it’s still damned delicious.

For the Chicken · 3 lbs. Chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks · ¾ cup Potato starch · Sesame oil for frying · 1 T Ginger, minced · 2 T Garlic, minced (about 9 cloves)

For the Sauce · ½ cup Rice vinegar ·  ½ cup Soy sauce · 3 T Hoisin sauce · ¾ cup Water · ⅔ cup Maple syrup · 3 T potato starch

Instructions

1. Toss the chicken thighs with the quarter cup of potato starch and let sit while you mix the sauce ingredients.
2. Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sugar, and tablespoon of potato starch in a small bowl and whisk together.
3. Add the chicken to a pan with the oil and fry until crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side).
4. Remove chicken from the pan and drain all but a tablespoon of the oil and add the ginger and garlic.
5. Cook until you smell the garlic (about 30 seconds).
6. Add in the chicken and toss, then add in the sauce.
7. Stir for about 30 seconds until thickened.
8. Serve immediately.

Notes:

1. Very likely, this recipe will not taste the same as to what some people are accustomed. I like it a little sweeter and my daughter does not like spiciness.
2. If you want to clear out your sinuses, add about a teaspoon (more or less to taste) of red pepper flakes.