With an estimated 2 billion servings of General Tso’s Chicken served annually in restaurants across the US and growing in popularity around the world, it’s almost certain you have had a taste of its tangy, sweet and slightly spicy flavor. But have you ever stopped to wonder why it’s named after the 19th-century Chinese general? In this article, we will explore the answer to that question – why is it called General Tso’s Chicken?
Why Is It Called General Tso’s Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken is one of the most popular Chinese dishes and an important part of the global Chinese food culture.This delicious dish is known for its sweet and tangy flavor, along with its tender pieces of chicken. But why is it called General Tso’s Chicken? Let’s explore the history of the dish and understand what the name means.
Origins of the Name
There is much debate about the origin of the name and the dish itself, but the prevailing opinion is that the name is linked to the Chinese military leader General Tso Tsung-t’ang. The General lived during the Qing dynasty, around the mid-1800s, and was known for his bravery and military prowess.He won many battles and was considered a great leader for China. However, the version of General Tso’s Chicken that is known around the world today did not actually originate from the General himself. It is believed to have been created by Chinese chefs who lived in Taiwan during the 20th century.
The chef[s] used the name General Tso’s Chicken to honor the General and capture his military prowess in the form of a delicious dish.
Ingredients of General Tso’s Chicken
The typical ingredients used in General Tso’s Chicken include chicken, egg, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and white pepper. The chicken is usually coated in a batter that is made of eggs, cornstarch, and ginger.It is then cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce that is made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and white pepper. It’s a delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavors that has been pleasing people for generations.