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Healthy General Tso Chicken Recipe
Healthy General Tso Chicken Recipe
General Tso Chicken is a beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its sweet and spicy sauce. Traditional recipes, however, can be high in calories, sugar, and sodium. This healthy version offers the same delicious flavors with fewer calories and a nutritious twist.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup water
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot (sliced)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until well-coated.
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), tomato paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and water. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the red bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Toss to combine and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well-coated.
- Serve:
- Transfer the General Tso Chicken to a serving plate.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Tips for a Healthier Dish
- Use Less Oil: Instead of deep-frying the chicken, this recipe uses a light coating of oil for sautéing.
- Lower Sodium: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of hoisin sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake.
- Natural Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup provides natural sweetness without refined sugar.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Nutritional Benefits
- Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, helping to build and repair tissues.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots add a boost of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil is a healthier fat option that supports heart health.
Conclusion
This healthy General Tso Chicken recipe offers a delicious alternative to the traditional takeout version. It’s lower in calories, sugar, and sodium but still packed with flavor. Enjoy this guilt-free dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.