Who Is General Tso?

The Origins of General Tso Chicken

General Tso chicken is a popular Chinese dish that is often found in Chinese restaurants around the world. It is a sweet and spicy deep-fried chicken dish that is usually served with steamed rice. Despite its popularity, many people are not familiar with the history of the dish, or who General Tso was.

General Tso chicken is said to have originated in the Hunan Province in China. The dish was named after General Tso, who was a famous military leader in the Qing Dynasty. However, there is no evidence to suggest that General Tso actually ate this dish or that it was named after him.

Who Was General Tso?

General Tso was born in 1812 in Xiangyin County, Hunan Province, China. He was a military leader who fought against the Taiping Rebellion and the Nian Rebellion. He was known for his bravery and tactical skills on the battlefield and was highly respected by his troops.

General Tso was also known for his political career. He held several important positions in the Qing Dynasty government, including governor of Zhejiang Province and governor-general of Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. He was a key figure in the suppression of the Taiping Rebellion and played a major role in the modernization of the Chinese military.

The Legacy of General Tso

General Tso died in 1885 at the age of 73. He is remembered as a hero in China for his military and political accomplishments. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in General Tso due to the popularity of the dish that bears his name.

Despite the fact that General Tso chicken is not an authentic Chinese dish, it has become a cultural icon in its own right. It is a symbol of the fusion of Chinese and American cultures and represents the growing popularity of Chinese cuisine around the world.

The Recipe for General Tso Chicken

While the origins of General Tso chicken may be shrouded in mystery, the recipe is well-known. Here is a simple recipe for General Tso chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts

1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

3. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet and stir to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is coated. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and chopped peanuts.

Conclusion

General Tso chicken may not be an authentic Chinese dish, but it has become a beloved part of Chinese-American culture. It is a testament to the power of food to bring people together and to create new traditions. Whether you enjoy General Tso chicken at your favorite Chinese restaurant or make it at home, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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