Name: Ground General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 8 ounces canned water chestnuts, diced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce; 1/4 cup water; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Introduction

Ground General Tso’s Chicken is a quick and flavorful take on the classic Chinese-American dish. Using ground chicken and water chestnuts keeps it simple, while the tangy, sweet sauce delivers all the deliciousness you crave. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

A white bowl filled with three main layers: on the right side, there is a large portion of white cooked rice with a slightly fluffy texture; on the left side, a thick, glossy brown minced meat sauce mixed with small chunks of light yellow pineapple, sprinkled with white sesame seeds; at the top left corner, two steamed dumplings with a light beige, smooth, and slightly shiny surface showing pleated folds. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
8 ounces canned water chestnuts, diced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced

General Tso’s Sauce

3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and diced water chestnuts. Cook undisturbed until a good crust forms on the chicken before breaking it apart.
Step 2: Continue cooking, breaking the chicken apart with a spatula, for another 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 3: Add the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sugar, and cornstarch to make the General Tso’s sauce.
Step 5: Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken. Bring it to a boil while stirring continually. Cook just a few seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork for a different protein option.
Add chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish and extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Ground General Tso’s Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir well before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl contains three main layers: on the right side, there is a thick layer of plain white rice with a soft and fluffy texture; next to the rice on the left side, a generous portion of minced meat cooked in a dark brown sauce with visible small chunks of vegetables and sprinkled with white sesame seeds sits, showing a glossy, moist texture; at the top left corner of the bowl, two steamed dumplings with smooth, shiny, yellowish dough and subtle folds rest side by side. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh water chestnuts instead of canned?

Yes, fresh water chestnuts can be used. Just peel and dice them before adding to the dish. They will provide a similar crunch and flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce, as traditional versions often contain wheat.