General Tso Sauce Recipe

General Tso Sauce Recipe

Want to make restaurant-style Chinese food at home? This General Tso Sauce Recipe is your answer! It’s sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy.

You can make this sauce in just 15 minutes. The best part? You probably have most ingredients already.

Learning how to make General Tso Sauce will change your cooking game. This homemade version tastes better than takeout.

The ingredients for General Tso Sauce are simple and affordable. Let’s make this amazing sauce together!

When I First Introduced to General Tso Sauce

I first tasted General Tso chicken at a Chinese restaurant. The sauce was incredible! It had the perfect balance of flavors. Sweet, sour, and a little kick of heat.

I wanted to recreate it at home. After many tries, I finally got it right. Now I make this sauce weekly.

My family loves it on chicken and vegetables. It’s become our favorite dinner sauce.

General Tso Sauce

Equipment List

You’ll need these basic tools:

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small bowl

Ingredients You Need for General Tso Sauce

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Take a small bowl first.
  • Add cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water.
  • Mix it well until smooth.
  • This prevents lumps in your sauce.
  • Set it aside for now.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan.
  • Add minced garlic and grated ginger.
  • Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Don’t let them burn!
  • Stir constantly while cooking.
  • Pour in soy sauce and water.
  • Add rice vinegar and hoisin sauce.
  • Stir everything together well.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Let it cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add the sugar to the pan.
  • Stir until it dissolves completely.
  • Now add the red pepper flakes.
  • This gives your sauce that signature kick.
  • Adjust the heat to your liking.
  • Give your cornstarch mixture a quick stir.
  • Pour it slowly into the simmering sauce.
  • Whisk constantly while adding it.
  • The sauce will thicken in about 1 minute.
  • Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
  • Turn off the heat now.
  • Add the sesame oil last.
  • Stir it in gently.
  • This adds amazing nutty flavor.
  • Your General Tso Sauce is ready!

Tips to Make the Best General Tso Sauce

  • Use fresh garlic and ginger always.
  • They make a huge difference in taste.
  • Don’t skip the hoisin sauce either.
  • It adds depth and richness to the sauce.
  • Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes.
  • Prefer it sweeter? Increase the sugar slightly.
  • Always whisk the cornstarch mixture before adding.
  • This prevents clumping in your sauce.
  • Store leftover sauce in the fridge.
  • It lasts up to one week.
  • Reheat gently before using again.
  • The sauce thickens more as it cools.
  • Don’t panic if it seems thin.
  • It’ll be perfect after a few minutes.
  • Use it immediately for best results.

FAQs about General Tso Sauce

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you definitely can! Make it up to 3 days early. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q: What dishes work with General Tso Sauce?

A: It’s perfect for chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also use it on vegetables or rice.

Q: Is this sauce very spicy?

A: No, it has mild heat only. You can adjust the red pepper flakes amount easily.

Q: Can I freeze General Tso Sauce?

A: Yes, freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Q: What can replace hoisin sauce?

A: Use oyster sauce or teriyaki sauce instead. The flavor will be slightly different though.

Final Thoughts

Making your own General Tso Sauce Recipe is so rewarding. It tastes fresher than store-bought versions. Plus, you control the ingredients and flavors.

This sauce will become your kitchen staple. Use it on weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Your family will ask for it again and again. Try this recipe today and enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home!

More Amazing Recipes

General Tso Sauce Recipe

General Tso Sauce Recipe

Want to make restaurant-style Chinese food at home? This General Tso Sauce Recipe is your answer! It's sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 6
Calories 85 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions
 

  • Take a small bowl first.
  • Add cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water.
  • Mix it well until smooth.
  • This prevents lumps in your sauce.
  • Set it aside for now.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan.
  • Add minced garlic and grated ginger.
  • Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Don’t let them burn!
  • Stir constantly while cooking.
  • Pour in soy sauce and water.
  • Add rice vinegar and hoisin sauce.
  • Stir everything together well.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Let it cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add the sugar to the pan.
  • Stir until it dissolves completely.
  • Now add the red pepper flakes.
  • This gives your sauce that signature kick.
  • Adjust the heat to your liking.
  • Give your cornstarch mixture a quick stir.
  • Pour it slowly into the simmering sauce.
  • Whisk constantly while adding it.
  • The sauce will thicken in about 1 minute.
  • Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
  • Turn off the heat now.
  • Add the sesame oil last.
  • Stir it in gently.
  • This adds amazing nutty flavor.
  • Your General Tso Sauce is ready!

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and ginger always.
  • They make a huge difference in taste.
  • Don’t skip the hoisin sauce either.
  • It adds depth and richness to the sauce.
  • Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes.
  • Prefer it sweeter? Increase the sugar slightly.
  • Always whisk the cornstarch mixture before adding.
  • This prevents clumping in your sauce.
  • Store leftover sauce in the fridge.
  • It lasts up to one week.
  • Reheat gently before using again.
  • The sauce thickens more as it cools.
  • Don’t panic if it seems thin.
  • It’ll be perfect after a few minutes.
  • Use it immediately for best results.
Keyword General Tso Sauce Recipe

My name is Tasha Velez. I love food and traveling! I'm lucky to be married to the man of my dreams. We have a sweet little girl who makes everyone smile!