Sichuan General Tso's Chicken

Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.

Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken.

Adjust the amount of dried red chiles to suit your spice preference.

For an extra kick of flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or Chinese cooking wine to the dish.

Garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Experiment with different proteins like tofu or shrimp for variations.

What is Sichuan General Tso's Chicken?

Sichuan General Tso's Chicken is a spicier version of the classic General Tso's chicken, with a blend of Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chiles.

Why use dark soy sauce in this recipe?

Dark soy sauce adds a rich color and depth of flavor to the chicken. It's also less salty than regular soy sauce.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast?

You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer a darker meat, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What are Sichuan peppercorns, and can I omit them?

Sichuan peppercorns are not actually pepper but rather the outer pod of the prickly ash shrub. They provide a unique numbing and tingling sensation to the dish. You can omit them if you prefer. You can also substitute Tellicherry peppercorns which will be spicy but not have the numbing effect.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

To make this dish less spicy, you can reduce the amount of dried red chiles or omit them altogether. You can also remove the seeds from the chiles to lower the heat level.

Can I use ground Sichuan peppercorns instead of whole?

You can use ground Sichuan peppercorns if you can't find whole ones. Just be mindful of the potency and adjust the amount accordingly.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Can I freeze Sichuan General Tso's Chicken?

While you can freeze cooked chicken, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat gently in a skillet.

Wok or Deep Skillet: For cooking the marinated chicken and creating the flavorful sauce that coats the chicken.

Slotted Spoon: To remove the chicken from the marinade, skillet, and back into the skillet as needed.

Bowls: One for marinating the chicken and another for mixing the seasoning ingredients.

Stirring Spoon: To continuously stir the chicken as it cooks to prevent burning.

Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring out the various seasoning ingredients.

Knife: To finely chop the ginger and orange peel for the marinade and seasoning.

Cutting Board: A stable surface to chop the ginger and orange peel.

Garlic Ginger Green Beans: for a fresh and crunchy side that will provide a nice balance to the intense flavors of the General Tso's Chicken. The garlic and ginger will add a punch of flavor without overshadowing the star of the show.

Pineapple Fried Rice: the sweetness of the pineapple will complement the heat of the dish, creating a perfect sweet and spicy combination. Plus, the rice will help absorb some of the fiery sauce, so you can enjoy the heat without feeling overwhelmed.

Spicy Cucumber Salad: a refreshing and cooling side that will help soothe your taste buds between bites of the fiery chicken. The crunch of the cucumbers and the kick of spice will make for a fun and exciting contrast to the main dish.

Spicy Peanut Noodles: the creamy peanut sauce will help balance out the heat from the General Tso's chicken.

Fresh Spring Rolls: the light, fresh flavors of the spring rolls will provide a nice contrast to the bold spiciness of the Sichuan chicken.

Wine Pairings
Classic Gewurztraminer: The aromatic nature of Gewurztraminer can complement the spicy kick of this General Tso's Chicken, while the slight sweetness balances out the heat. Look for one with hints of lychee and rose petals.

Nero d'Avola: This bold, Italian red wine offers rich flavors of dark fruit and spice that can stand up to the intensity of the dish. The robust tannins can cut through the fatty elements, making it a great choice for a hearty meal like this.

Chenin Blanc: A crisp Chenin Blanc can provide a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the dish, with its bright acidity and notes of apple and pear. Opt for a dry version for the best balance.

Other Alcohol Pairings
Szechuan Mule: Spice things up with a Szechuan Mule cocktail, made with ginger beer, vodka, lime juice, and a touch of Szechuan peppercorns. The heat from the dish will be complemented by the zing of the ginger and citrus.

Sake: The clean, subtle flavors of sake can help cleanse your palate between bites of the flavorful chicken. Look for a Junmai or Junmai Ginjo variety for a slightly dry finish.

Scotch: If you're feeling adventurous, a smoky Scotch can offer a bold, peaty contrast to the dish. The complex flavors in the Scotch can add depth to the meal.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Coconut Water: Hydrate and refresh your palate with coconut water, which can help cool down the spiciness of the dish. The natural sweetness of the coconut water can also balance out the bold flavors.

Ginger Beer: A non-alcoholic option with a kick, ginger beer can complement the ginger in the dish while providing a fizzy, refreshing contrast. Its spiciness can mirror the heat of the chicken for a well-rounded pairing.

Lemongrass Iced Tea: Brew up a batch of lemongrass iced tea for a soothing sip that can tame the heat of the dish.