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!
Soy Sauce½ cup: The base of the sauce, providing saltiness and depth.
Rice Vinegar¼ cup: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness and richness.
Sugar2 tbsp: Gives the sauce its characteristic sweetness. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a healthier version.
Garlic2 cloves, minced: Essential for that aromatic depth of flavor.
Ginger1 tsp, grated: Adds a warm, spicy undertone.
Cornstarch1 tbsp: Helps thicken the sauce.
Chili Flakes1 tsp: For a slight spicy kick. Adjust based on your tolerance.
Water½ 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.