master

For tonight’s dinner, we’re adapting a Chinese takeout favorite: General Tso’s. With roots in the cuisine of Hunan, this chicken preparation is known for its delectably crispy coating and bright, spicy-sweet sauce. We’re tossing our chicken with cornstarch before pan-frying it—an easy way to achieve that restaurant-quality crust. On the side, fragrant jasmine rice and a sauté of refreshingly crunchy, sweet snow peas round out the dish.

Ethan Mick

with Sautéed Snow Peas & Jasmine Rice

General Tso's Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Jasmine Rice

Snow Peas

Garlic

Scallions

Soy Glaze

Sambal Oelek

Sesame Oil

Cornstarch

Ketchup

Ingredients

Wash and dry the fresh produce. [Peel and mince the garlic.](#) [Cut off and discard the root ends of the scallions; thinly slice the white bottoms and cut the green tops into ½-inch pieces, keeping them separate.](#) Snap off and discard the stem ends of the snow peas; pull off and discard the tough string that runs the length of each pod. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces; transfer to a bowl.

Prepare the ingredients:

In a small pot, combine the **rice**, **a big pinch of salt** and **1½ cups of water**. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer 12 to 14 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff the cooked rice with a fork.

Cook the rice:

While the rice simmers, in a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat the **sesame oil** on medium-high until hot. Add the **garlic** and **white bottoms of the scallions**; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Turn off the heat. Add the **ketchup**, **soy glaze** and **as much of the sambal oelek as you’d like**, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Stir to thoroughly combine; transfer to a large bowl. Rinse and wipe out the pan.

Make the sauce:

While the rice continues to simmer, season the **chopped chicken** with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Add the **cornstarch**; toss to thoroughly coat. In the pan used to make the sauce, heat a thin layer of oil on medium-high until hot. Once the oil is hot enough that a piece of chicken sizzles immediately when added to the pan, add the coated chicken (shaking off any excess cornstarch before adding) in a single, even layer. Cook, turning occasionally, 7 to 9 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; immediately season with salt and pepper. Carefully discard the oil and wipe out the pan.

Cook the chicken:

Transfer the **cooked chicken** to the bowl of **sauce**; toss to thoroughly coat. [Season with salt and pepper to taste.](#) Set aside in a warm place.

Finish the chicken:

In the pan used to cook the chicken, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the **snow peas**; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until bright green. Divide the **cooked rice**, **finished chicken** and cooked snow peas between 2 dishes. Garnish with the **green tops of the scallions**. Enjoy!