Go Back
Homemade General Tso sauce served over crispy chicken with vegetables

General Tso Sauce - Recipe Card

Max
In just a few simple steps, you can make this General Tso sauce recipe that you will always have on hand. For a full meal, you can serve it with the best General Tao chicken recipe. Let’s begin by creating this delectable sauce from scratch!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Soy Sauce ½ cup: The base of the sauce, providing saltiness and depth.
  • Rice Vinegar ¼ cup: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness and richness.
  • Sugar 2 tbsp: Gives the sauce its characteristic sweetness. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a healthier version.
  • Garlic 2 cloves, minced: Essential for that aromatic depth of flavor.
  • Ginger 1 tsp, grated: Adds a warm, spicy undertone.
  • Cornstarch 1 tbsp: Helps thicken the sauce.
  • Chili Flakes 1 tsp: For a slight spicy kick. Adjust based on your tolerance.
  • Water ½ cup: To dilute and adjust the consistency of the sauce.

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a paste. This will thicken the sauce. Slowly pour this into the sauce that is already boiling while stirring. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add Heat: Stir in chili flakes for the signature spicy kick of General Tso’s sauce. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spiciness by adding more sugar or chili flakes as needed.
  • Final Touch: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from heat. Let it cool slightly before serving over General Tao chicken or your favorite stir-fry dish.

Video

Notes

Store Properly: Once cooled, store your General Tso sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 week.
Freezing Tip: If you want to make a batch ahead of time, you can freeze it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop for quick meals.
Thickening Tip: If your sauce is too thin after storage, simply reheat and stir in a little more cornstarch slurry to thicken it back up.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a 5-star review below if you loved it! Tag @Heat_recipes on Instagram.