There are a lot of tasty meals to choose from when it comes to Chinese food. Mongolian Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken are two well-known chicken recipes that often get people interested. Both meals have a delicious mix of tastes and textures, but they are different in where they come from, what they are made of, and how they are made.
In this article, we’ll talk about the differences between Mongolian Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken. This will help you understand what makes each dish special and decide which one to try next.
Where did Mongolian and General Tso’s chicken come from?
Mongolian Chicken gets its name from Mongolia, a large area in East Asia. Even though the food is not from Mongolia, it is called “Mongolian” because of the way it is cooked. Mongolian barbecue, in which meats and vegetables are grilled on a big, open metal surface, was the inspiration for Mongolian chicken.
General Tso’s Chicken, on the other hand, comes from the Hunan region of China. It is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, who was a famous military hero during the Qing Dynasty. The dish became popular in the U.S., and many Chinese-American places still serve it today.
Flavor Profiles and Ingredients
Mongolian Chicken:
The flavours in Mongolian Chicken are strong and tasty. Usually, it is made with soft pieces of chicken stir-fried with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce. Vegetables like bell peppers and scallions are often added to the food to give it a fresh and crunchy taste. The rich umami flavour and slightly sweet notes of Mongolian Chicken make it a popular dish.
General Tso’s Chicken:
General Tso’s Chicken has an interesting mix of sweet, savoury, and hot tastes. Pieces of chicken that have been deep-fried are covered in a thick, sticky sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. The chilli peppers or chilli sauce give the sauce a tangy and spicy flavour that stands out. General Tso’s Chicken is usually served with steamed veggies or rice and sesame seeds on top.
Cooking Techniques
Mongolian Chicken:
To prepare Mongolian Chicken, the chicken is typically marinated briefly in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and other seasonings. The marinated chicken is then stir-fried over high heat until cooked through. Vegetables are added, followed by the sauce, which is thickened with cornstarch. The dish is cooked until the flavors meld together, creating a delicious harmony of tastes.
General Tso’s Chicken:
There are two steps to making General Tso’s Chicken. First, the chicken is cut into small pieces, covered with cornflour, and deep-fried until crispy. In a different pan, the ingredients for the sauce are mixed together and heated until the sauce gets thick. The fried chicken is then mixed with the sauce, giving it a chance to soak up the flavours and make a tasty glaze. The dish is served hot with a topping.
Which one should you pick?
In the end, the choice between Mongolian Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken comes down to what you like. Mongolian chicken is a great choice if you like strong, slightly sweet flavours with an emphasis on umami. It is also a healthier choice because it is stir-fried and has fresh veggies.
On the other hand, General Tso’s Chicken will meet your need for a dish with the right amount of sweetness, tang, and heat.