Unraveling the Mystery of Chinese-American Favorites
The Battle of the Sauces: General Tso vs. Orange Chicken
When it comes to Chinese-American cuisine, two dishes stand out from the crowd: General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Chicken. While they may seem similar, these two popular dishes have distinct differences in terms of sauce, spice, and preparation.
A Brief History of Chinese-American Cuisine
Chinese dishes that landed in the United States have undergone a significant transformation, adapting to American tastes and preferences. The result? Gloppy, sticky, syrupy, deep-fried Chinese-American chicken takeout. But fear not, dear foodies! By understanding the differences between General Tso’s and Orange Chicken, we can create healthier, tastier versions at home.
The Marinade: The First Step to Flavor
Both dishes start with a marinade consisting of soy sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, and sometimes eggs or egg whites and cornstarch. This mixture sets the stage for the flavor profile of each dish.
Breading and Frying: The Next Steps
The chicken is then coated with a dry mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper, or a combination of cornstarch, baking soda, and flour. After deep-frying and draining, the final sauces are applied.
The Sauces: Where the Magic Happens
General Tso’s sauce is characterized by its spicy, savory flavor, thanks to the addition of aromatic ginger, garlic, and scallions, as well as dried red pepper flakes or dried whole red chiles. Orange Chicken, on the other hand, boasts a lighter-colored sweet, sour, savory glaze, often featuring orange juice, zest, or dried peel.
Authenticity vs. Innovation
While authentic Chinese-style Orange Chicken doesn’t involve battering and frying, we can still create a delicious homemade version using orange juice or zest. And, fun fact: General Tso was a statesman in the Qing Dynasty who had nothing to do with this chicken dish!
Sesame Chicken and Sweet and Sour Chicken: Cousins in the Chinese-American Family
Sesame Chicken adds a nutty twist with the addition of sesame seeds, while Sweet and Sour Chicken recipes vary wildly, often featuring pineapple, bell peppers, and a tangy sauce.
Get Cooking with These Recipes!
Try your hand at these mouth-watering recipes:
- Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat: A spot-on replica of the popular takeout dish
- Orange-Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts: A sweet and tangy twist on Orange Chicken
- Orange-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Carrot Puree: A non-traditional take on Orange Chicken with a hint of thyme
- General Tso’s Chicken: A spicy, savory recipe with a kick
- Slow Cooker Asian-Style Chicken Thighs: A flavorful, easy-to-make dish with a hint of orange zest
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: A classic recipe with a tangy, sweet sauce
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