What to serve with general tso chicken? - Chef's Resource (2024)

General Tso chicken is a popular and delicious dish that originated in Chinese cuisine. With its crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce, it makes for a satisfying meal on its own. However, pairing it with the right side dishes can take your dining experience to the next level. If you’re wondering what to serve with General Tso chicken, look no further as we explore some fantastic options that complement this dish perfectly.

What to serve with General Tso chicken?

The best sides to serve with General Tso chicken are:

1. Fried Rice: The combination of General Tso chicken and fried rice is a match made in culinary heaven. The savory flavors of the rice perfectly balance the boldness of the chicken dish.

2. Steamed White Rice: For a simpler option, steamed white rice makes an excellent side. Its neutral taste allows the flavors of the chicken to shine.

3. Lo Mein: This stir-fried noodle dish is another fantastic choice to pair with General Tso chicken. The noodles provide a contrasting texture and absorb the delicious sauce.

4. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat provide a delightful contrast in both texture and taste. They are a great addition to your meal.

5. Chinese Broccoli: Stir-fried Chinese broccoli adds a healthy and vibrant touch to your plate. Its slightly bitter taste pairs well with the richness of the General Tso chicken.

6. Steamed Vegetables: A simple yet nutritious choice, steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas offer a refreshing balance to the fried chicken.

7. Sesame Noodles: Adding sesame noodles to your meal brings a nutty flavor and a delightful textural element to the plate, complementing the flavors of the chicken.

8. Chinese Dumplings: Dumplings, whether steamed or pan-fried, are always a crowd-pleaser. They provide a delicious and dumpling chicken prawith dipping sauces to further enhance the dining experience.

9. Vegetable Fried Rice: In case you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable fried rice is a fantastic companion to General Tso chicken. The medley of flavors from the vegetables complements the dish perfectly.

10. Stir-Fried Green Beans: Fresh green beans are quickly stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce, resulting in a savory side dish that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.

11. Sweet and Sour Chicken: Pairing General Tso chicken with its distant relative, sweet and sour chicken, creates a satisfying flavor contrast on your plate.

12. Crab Rangoon: These crispy and creamy wontons filled with cream cheese and crab meat add a delightful twist to your meal.

FAQs:

1. Can I serve General Tso chicken with noodles other than lo mein?

Yes, you can serve General Tso chicken with other types of noodles, such as chow mein or udon noodles, depending on your preference.

2. Are there any vegetarian sides that go well with General Tso chicken?

Absolutely! Vegetarian options like vegetable fried rice and stir-fried green beans are perfect choices to accompany General Tso chicken.

3. Can I serve General Tso chicken with brown rice?

Yes, if you prefer a healthier alternative to white rice, serving General Tso chicken with brown rice is a great option that adds nutty flavors.

4. Is General Tso chicken spicy?

General Tso chicken is typically mildly spicy. However, you can adjust the spiciness according to your taste by altering the amount of chili peppers or sauce used.

5. Can I serve General Tso chicken as an appetizer?

Yes, General Tso chicken can work well as an appetizer for a Chinese-themed meal or as part of a tapas-style meal.

6. Is it possible to make General Tso chicken gluten-free?

Yes, it is possible to make a gluten-free version of General Tso chicken by using gluten-free soy sauce, and replacing cornstarch with alternative starches like tapioca or arrowroot.

7. What type of drinks pair well with General Tso chicken?

Drinks like jasmine tea, a crisp lager beer, or even a fruity white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer complement the flavors of General Tso chicken.

8. Can I serve General Tso chicken with a salad?

While not a traditional pairing, a fresh and tangy Asian-inspired salad with ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and a sesame ginger dressing can be a refreshing addition to the meal.

9. Is General Tso chicken a spicy dish?

Although it has some heat from chili peppers and ginger, General Tso chicken is more known for its rich and savory flavors rather than extreme spiciness.

10. Can I make General Tso chicken with tofu instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute tofu for chicken to make a vegetarian version of General Tso tofu. The tofu will absorb the flavors of the sauce and give it a delicious twist.

11. Can I serve General Tso chicken with steamed dumplings?

Absolutely! Steamed dumplings, such as pork dumplings or vegetable dumplings, make a perfect addition to the plate.

12. Can I serve General Tso chicken with a side of sweet and sour sauce?

Although General Tso chicken already has a flavorful sauce, if you enjoy the combination of sweet and sour flavors, serving a side of sweet and sour sauce is definitely an option.