How to Make a Delicious Homemade General Tso Sauce. Craving for som e Chinese takeout? We’ve got you covered with this easy make-ahead Homemade General Tso stir-fry sauce. This make-ahead General Tso Sauce recipe can be used for quick stir-fry dishes when you do not have much time for a weeknight dinner; make a batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 month!🥡😋
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What is General tso sauce?
General tso Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Chinese black vinegar or rice wine vinegar: provides a tangy flavor and acidity to balance out the sweetness of the sauce
- Shaoxing or dry sherry: adds a subtle depth of flavor and complexity to the sauce
- Low sodium soy sauce: adds saltiness and umami flavor to the sauce
- Mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce or dark soy sauce: adds a rich, savory flavor and deepens the color of the sauce
- Granulated sugar: provides sweetness to the sauce and helps balance the acidity of the vinegar
Additional:
- Warm water combined with Knorr: serves as a thinning agent for the sauce and helps it reach the desired consistency.
- Granulated Chicken flavor bouillon: adds a savory chicken flavor to the sauce
- Cornstarch: used as a thickener to give the sauce its characteristic thickness and texture.
Tools you'll need
How to Make General Tso Sauce
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Substitutions
- Chinese black vinegar or rice wine vinegar: You can use apple cider or white wine vinegar as a substitute for Chinese black vinegar or rice wine vinegar.
- Shaoxing or dry sherry: You can use cooking sake, dry white wine, or chicken broth as a substitute for Shaoxing or dry sherry.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: You can use regular soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for low-sodium soy sauce. Remember that traditional soy sauce is saltier, so adjust the soy sauce used accordingly.
- Mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce or dark soy sauce: You can use regular soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce or dark soy sauce. You can also add a few drops of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami flavor.
- Granulated sugar: You can use honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar to substitute granulated sugar. Remember that different sweeteners will impart additional flavors and textures to the sauce.
- Granulated Chicken flavor bouillon: You can use chicken broth, chicken stock, or vegetable broth as a substitute for granulated chicken flavor bouillon.
- Cornstarch: You can use arrowroot or potato starch as a substitute for cornstarch. Remember that different starches may require additional amounts to achieve the desired thickness.
Variations
- Spicier sauce: Increase the number of chili flakes or add some fresh minced chili peppers for a spicier kick.
- Healthier sauce: Replace the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener such as honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup. Also, substitute the soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce the sodium content.
- Ginger and garlic sauce: Add some minced fresh ginger and garlic to the sauce for an extra flavor.
- Citrusy sauce: Add some orange or lemon zest to give it a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Sesame sauce: Add some toasted sesame oil and seeds for a nutty, rich flavor.
- Pineapple sauce: Add some pineapple juice to give it a tropical twist.
- Hoisin sauce: Replace the mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce or dark soy sauce with hoisin sauce for a sweeter, richer flavor.
How to Serve
General Tso sauce is a versatile condiment that can enhance various dishes. The most popular use of this sauce is to serve with General Tso's chicken, a popular Chinese-American dish. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like egg rolls, dumplings, or potstickers. It can also be used as a glaze for grilled or roasted meats such as chicken, pork, or beef.
The sauce can also be added to stir-fries, noodle dishes, or vegetable dishes. Its sweet and savory flavor makes it a perfect addition to many Asian-inspired dishes. Overall, General Tso sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can add flavor to a wide range of dishes.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: General Tso sauce, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to two weeks. Before storing, make sure the sauce has cooled to room temperature. Once refrigerated, the sauce will thicken, so you may need to thin it out with a little water or chicken broth before reheating it. When reheating the sauce, you can do so on the stovetop or in the microwave.
To reheat: On the stovetop, place the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat and occasionally stir until heated. If reheating in the microwave, transfer the sauce to a microwave-safe container and heat it in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval until heated. Be careful not to overheat the sauce, as it can burn and lose flavor. Overall, storing and reheating General Tso sauce is simple and easy, making it a convenient sauce to have on hand for future meals.
Make-Ahead
General Tso sauce can be made and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Making the sauce in advance is recommended to allow the flavors to meld and develop further. Once the sauce is made, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating it for up to two weeks. You can also freeze General Tso sauce for more extended storage, up to two months. To freeze, transfer the cooled sauce to a freezer-safe container and label it with the date.
When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it as needed. Having General Tso sauce on hand can save time and make meal prep easier, as you can add the sauce to various dishes to boost flavor.
How to Freeze
To freeze General Tso sauce, cool to room temperature first. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion, and label it with the date. Next, place the container in the freezer and freeze the sauce for up to two months. When ready to use the sauce, please remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you may need to add a little water or chicken broth to thin the sauce out and restore its original consistency.
Once thawed and reheated, the sauce should be used within a few days and not refrozen. Properly storing and freezing General Tso sauce can help extend its shelf life and ensure you always have some for future meals.
Tips for Making The Best General Tso Sauce
- Use high-quality ingredients: Choose good-quality soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar to ensure a rich, complex flavor.
- Don't overcook the sauce: Be careful not to overheat it when cooking, as it can burn and lose flavor. Cook the sauce on low heat and whisk it continuously to prevent sticking and burning.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste: Taste the sauce as you cook and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you like a sweeter sauce, add more sugar. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more chili flakes.
- Use cornstarch as a thickener: Cornstarch is the best thickener for General Tso sauce because it gives the sauce a glossy sheen and a smooth texture. Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce while whisking continuously.
- Let the sauce cool to room temperature: The sauce will thicken as it cools, so let it cool to room temperature before storing it. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Experiment with variations: Don't be afraid to experiment with different recipe interpretations by adding ingredients like garlic, ginger, citrus zest, or sesame oil to create your unique flavor.
FAQ
Is General Tso sauce spicy?
Yes, General Tso sauce is typically spicy due to adding chili peppers or flakes. However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference by adding more or less chili.
What is the difference between dark soy sauce and regular soy sauce? Dark soy sauce is thicker and darker than traditional soy sauce and has a more complex, caramelized flavor. It is often used in marinades, stews, and sauces to add depth and color.
Can General Tso sauce be made without sugar?
Substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener such as honey or maple syrup. However, remember that different sweeteners will impart additional flavors and textures to the sauce.
Can General Tso sauce be frozen?
Yes, General Tso sauce can be frozen for up to two months. However, let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Is General Tso sauce gluten-free?
The sauce may contain gluten if soy or dark soy sauce, often made with wheat. However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute to make the sauce gluten-free.
How long can General Tso sauce be stored in the refrigerator?
General Tso sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
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Recipe
Easy General Tso Sauce
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Chinese black vinegar or rice wine vinegar
- ½ cup Shaoxing or dry sherry
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup Mushroom flavored dark soy sauce , dark soy sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Additional:
- ½ cup warm water combined with Knorr ½ teaspoon Granulated Chicken flavor bouillon
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- In a sterilized airtight glass jar, add all the sauce ingredients except the chicken broth and cornstarch and shake to combine. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
- Every time before you use the General Tso Sauce, make sure you shake well the jar, then pour ⅓ cup of the sauce into a bowl and add ½ cup broth and 2 teaspoons cornstarch, mix well again and stir into any nearly completed stir-fry dish and bring to a boil until the sauce thickens about 1 minute.
Notes
- To store: General Tso sauce, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to two weeks. Before storing, make sure the sauce has cooled to room temperature. Once refrigerated, the sauce will thicken, so you may need to thin it out with a little water or chicken broth before reheating it. When reheating the sauce, you can do so on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- To reheat: On the stovetop, place the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat and occasionally stir until heated. If reheating in the microwave, transfer the sauce to a microwave-safe container and heat it in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval until heated. Be careful not to overheat the sauce, as it can burn and lose flavor. Overall, storing and reheating General Tso sauce is simple and easy, making it a convenient sauce to have on hand for future meals.
- Store the sauce in an airtight glass jar in the fridge for up to 1 month.
- General Tso sauce is robust and always benefits from more aromatics. Garlic, ginger, green onion, and dried chili pepper are the most common aromatics used in General Tso sauces or other Chinese sauces, and I highly recommend using them.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.