When I was in university there was this little restaurant seconds away that I had to stop myself from eating at more often. It is called Nouilles Express and they made ( and still make) the perfect general tso.

The chicken is crispy, the sauce is a perfect balance and an order of fried noodles on the side completes the deal. Even now when we’re in Montreal we sometimes head there just for that.

A few years ago I shared a recipe for General Tso here on the blog. However, there was something about it that did exactly fit with the general tso I used to love. I don’t exactly remember how I found it, but I had this recipe in my recipe app for a little while and I finally decided to try it..

It is amazing!!

Though the other sauce is a great base for other stir-fry type dishes, if I am in the mood for General Tso… This will be my go to recipe from now on… I make it with with chicken or tofu depending on my mood.

For the chicken (or tofu):

  • 4 chicken breasts or 2 blocks of tofu (cut in bite size pieces)
  • 2 tbsp tamari
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

In a bowl or ziplock, marinate meat or tofu in tamari, sesame oil and garlic and a few tsp of cornstarch for at least 30 min.

With enough oil to cover the pieces, fry the chicken or tofu then set aside.

For the sauce:

  • 1/2 cup stock (veggie, chicken or even water with a bit of Braggs.)
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • 4 tbsp vinegar
  • 2 tbsp hoisin
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp tamari

Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl until sugar dissolves and set aside.

You also need:

  • 3 cups of broccoli cut into bit size pieces (optional)
  • 4-5 stalks of green onions cut into 1 inch pieces
  • About an inch of ginger, minced.
  • 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Sesame oil

If you are making the broccoli, stir fry the brocolli until the colour changes but don’t over cook, and then set aside.

In your hot wok, add a bit of sesame oil and then stir fry the green onion, ginger and garlic. Add the sauce to the wok and let boil for a minute or two. The sauce will change colour and become thick and glazed.

Once the sauce is thick, add the chicken and the broccoli and toss in the sauce.

Serve with rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds for the final touch…