This copycat General Tso’s chicken roll recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Chinese take-out favorite. The chicken is tender and juicy, wrapped around crisp vegetables, then fried to perfection and coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. Serve it with a side of rice, and you have a meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Photos of Copycat General Tso’s Chicken Roll Recipe
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every pantry. Make sure to pick up sesame oil, fresh ginger, snap peas, and corn starch during your supermarket visit. These essential items will help you achieve the authentic flavors and textures of General Tso’s chicken rolls.
Ingredients for Copycat General Tso’s Chicken Rolls
Chicken breasts: Main protein, pounded thin for easy rolling and even cooking.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.
Snap peas: Provides a crisp texture inside the chicken rolls.
Carrot: Adds sweetness and crunch.
Sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a nutty, aromatic flavor.
Garlic cloves: Adds pungency and depth to the sauce.
Fresh ginger: Lends a warm, spicy flavor.
Chicken stock: Forms the base of the sauce, adding richness.
Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements.
Chili flakes: Adds a kick of heat.
Rice vinegar: Provides acidity and tanginess.
Dark soy sauce: Deepens the color and flavor of the sauce.
Tomato paste: Adds umami and richness.
Canola oil: Used for frying the chicken rolls to a golden brown.
Corn starch: Creates a crispy coating when frying.
White rice: The perfect accompaniment to serve with the chicken rolls.
Sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch as a garnish.
Scallions: Provides a fresh, vibrant garnish.
One reader, Bird Mobley says:
This copycat General Tso’s chicken roll recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are spot-on, and the crispy chicken paired with the tangy sauce is simply irresistible. Perfect for a homemade takeout night!
Techniques Required for Making Copycat General Tso's Chicken Rolls
How to pound chicken breasts: Place a chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it evenly to about ¼-inch thick. How to make a cornstarch slurry: Mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water until smooth. How to fry chicken: Heat oil in a large pot until it reaches 350 degrees F, then fry the chicken rolls for 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. How to check sauce consistency: Cook the sauce until it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a path when a finger is run through it.
How To Make Copycat General Tso’s Chicken Roll
If you loved General Tso’s chicken roll, then you’ll love this deliciously savory imitation loaded with tender veggies and coated in a garlic-ginger sauce!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3chicken breasts
- salt and pepper,to taste
- 12snap peas
- 1medium carrot,thinly sliced
- 1tspsesame oil
- 4garlic cloves,minced
- 1tbspfresh ginger,chopped
- 2cupschicken stock
- ¼cupsugar
- 1tspchili flakes
- 1tbsprice vinegar
- 1tbspdark soy sauce
- 1tbsptomato paste
- 5cupscanola oil,for frying
- 1cupcorn starch,plus 2 tsp
- white rice,cooked, for serving
- 1tbspsesame seeds,for garnish
- ¼cupscallions,sliced, for garnish
Instructions
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Place a chicken breast between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Pound evenly to about ¼-inch thick, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Place 4 snap peas and a few carrot slices at the bottom edge of the chicken, then roll up tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. Repeat with the remaining chicken and vegetables.
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Chill the chicken rolls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
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Heat the sesame oil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the garlic and ginger, then cook until they are toasty.
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Add the chicken stock, sugar, chile flakes, rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato paste, and cornstarch slurry mix of 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water. Whisk to combine.
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Cook until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, then leaves a path when ran through with a finger. Remove from the heat and set aside.
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Heat the oil in a large pot until it reaches 350 degrees F.
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Unwrap the chicken, then roll it in the cornstarch until evenly coated.
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Fry two chicken rolls at a time for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
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Transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain. If the chicken is not cooked through by the time it is golden brown on the outside, bake in the oven at 325 degrees F until that temperature is reached.
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Slice the chicken rolls and serve with rice alongside. Pour the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions for garnish.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 3865.08kcal
- Fat: 384.63g
- Saturated Fat: 32.39g
- Trans Fat: 1.62g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 238.68g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 107.39g
- Carbohydrates: 70.13g
- Fiber: 2.92g
- Sugar: 21.66g
- Protein: 42.90g
- Cholesterol: 116.16mg
- Sodium: 1926.13mg
- Calcium: 96.12mg
- Potassium: 818.84mg
- Iron: 3.31mg
- Vitamin A: 229.72µg
- Vitamin C: 14.09mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Preparing This Copycat Recipe
When pounding the chicken breasts, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even thickness. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and makes it easier to roll with the snap peas and carrot slices.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Copycat Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop garlic, ginger, and vegetables ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use a meat mallet: Pounding the chicken breasts evenly ensures they cook faster and more uniformly.
Make the sauce ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time during cooking.
Batch frying: Fry multiple chicken rolls at once to reduce overall cooking time.
Preheat the oven: If needed, have the oven preheated to 325 degrees F to quickly finish cooking the chicken rolls.
Substitute Ingredients For Copycat General Tso’s Chicken Roll Recipe
chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great vegetarian alternative that absorbs flavors well.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with umami depth.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and is less visually noticeable in the dish.
snap peas - Substitute with green beans: Green beans have a similar crunch and can be used in the same way.
carrot - Substitute with bell pepper: Bell peppers add a sweet flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for cooking, though it lacks the nutty flavor of sesame oil.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor in a more convenient form.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger, though it is more concentrated.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock is a good alternative for a vegetarian version of the dish.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a slight floral note to the sauce.
chili flakes - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha provides heat along with a bit of garlic flavor.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used in the same way.
dark soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar depth of flavor.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used in place of tomato paste, though it is sweeter and less concentrated.
canola oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a high smoke point and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
corn starch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a good thickening agent and can be used in the same way as corn starch.
white rice - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice is a whole grain alternative that provides more fiber and nutrients.
sesame seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds add a similar crunch and nutritional benefits.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.
Best Way to Present Copycat General Tso's Chicken Roll Recipe
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the chicken rolls into elegant medallions, ensuring each piece showcases the vibrant colors of the snap peas and carrot filling.
Use decoration: Arrange the medallions in a fan shape on a pristine white plate, creating a visually appealing presentation that highlights the craftsmanship of the dish.
Add texture contrast: Place a small mound of perfectly cooked white rice beside the chicken medallions, adding a contrasting texture and a neutral base to balance the flavors.
Sauce presentation: Drizzle the rich, glossy sauce artfully over the chicken medallions, allowing it to pool slightly around the base for an inviting look.
Garnish thoughtfully: Sprinkle sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions over the top of the chicken medallions, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Highlight ingredients: Place a few whole snap peas and thin carrot ribbons on the plate as a nod to the ingredients inside the rolls, enhancing the visual appeal and reinforcing the dish's components.
Use elegant plating tools: Utilize tweezers for precise placement of garnishes and sauce brushes to create delicate strokes of sauce on the plate, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.
Balance the plate: Ensure the elements are symmetrically arranged, with enough negative space to give each component room to shine, creating a harmonious and balanced presentation.
Consider height: Stack a few medallions slightly on top of each other to add height and dimension to the plate, making the dish more dynamic and visually interesting.
Final touch: Add a small edible flower or microgreens as a final touch, providing a burst of color and an element of sophistication that elevates the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making This Copycat Recipe
Plastic wrap: Used to cover and pound the chicken breasts evenly and to wrap the rolled chicken for chilling.
Meat mallet: Essential for pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the chicken and vegetables.
Chef's knife: Necessary for slicing the chicken breasts, snap peas, and carrots.
Medium saucepan: Used for heating the sesame oil and cooking the sauce.
Whisk: Helps to combine the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Large pot: Required for heating the oil to fry the chicken rolls.
Thermometer: Ensures the oil reaches the correct frying temperature and checks the internal temperature of the chicken.
Wire rack: Allows the fried chicken rolls to drain excess oil.
Baking sheet: Used to bake the chicken rolls if they are not fully cooked after frying.
Oven: Necessary for baking the chicken rolls to ensure they are cooked through.
Mixing bowl: Useful for preparing the cornstarch slurry.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like sesame oil, sugar, chili flakes, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and tomato paste.
Measuring cups: Used for measuring larger quantities like chicken stock and cornstarch.
Tongs: Handy for turning the chicken rolls while frying.
Serving platter: For presenting the sliced chicken rolls with rice and garnishes.
Rice cooker: Convenient for cooking the white rice to serve alongside the chicken rolls.
Storing and Freezing Copycat General Tso's Chicken Rolls
To store leftover general tso's chicken rolls, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
For the best quality, store the chicken rolls and the sauce separately in the refrigerator. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy and maintain its crispy texture.
To reheat refrigerated general tso's chicken rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the rolls for 1-2 minutes, but they may lose some of their crispiness.
If you want to freeze the general tso's chicken rolls for later consumption, follow these steps:
- Allow the chicken rolls to cool completely to room temperature.
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Freeze the rolls until they are solid, which should take about 2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen general tso's chicken rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. There's no need to thaw the rolls before reheating.
The general tso's sauce can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl or heat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
How to Reheat Leftover Copycat General Tso's Chicken Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the crispiness of the chicken exterior while ensuring the inside is warm and juicy.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the chicken rolls on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals, flipping them over between each interval, until they are heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, this is an excellent way to reheat your leftover general tso's chicken rolls. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
For a stovetop method, heat a small amount of sesame oil or neutral cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken rolls and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and the exterior is crispy.
If you have leftover sauce, reheat it separately in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once the chicken rolls are heated through, drizzle the warm sauce over them for added flavor and moisture.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid reheating the chicken rolls more than once. If you have a large amount of leftovers, consider reheating only the portion you plan to consume and storing the rest in the refrigerator for later.
Interesting Fact About Copycat General Tso's Chicken Rolls
A random fact about this recipe is that it combines the flavors of General Tso's chicken with a unique twist by rolling the chicken with snap peas and carrots. This method not only infuses the chicken with fresh vegetable flavors but also creates an appealing presentation when sliced.
Is Making Copycat General Tso's Chicken Rolls at Home Cost-Effective?
This recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of chicken breasts, snap peas, and carrots are relatively affordable, while ingredients like sesame oil and dark soy sauce may be pricier but are used in small quantities. The bulk of the cost comes from the canola oil for frying. Overall, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25 USD. Considering the flavor and satisfaction, I would rate this recipe a solid 7 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.
Is This Copycat Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This copycat General Tso's chicken roll recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- Deep frying the chicken rolls in canola oil adds a significant amount of unhealthy fats and calories
- The sauce contains a considerable amount of sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess
- The recipe lacks a variety of vegetables, focusing mainly on snap peas and carrots
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Instead of deep frying, try baking the chicken rolls in the oven or air frying them to reduce the amount of oil used
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the rolls, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or cabbage, to boost the nutritional value and fiber content
- Use brown rice instead of white rice to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish
- Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium content
By incorporating these changes, you can enjoy a healthier version of this tasty General Tso's chicken roll recipe without compromising too much on flavor. Remember, moderation is key, and even with these adjustments, it's essential to consume this dish as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Opinion on Copycat General Tso's Chicken Roll Recipe
This recipe for General Tso’s chicken rolls is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The combination of tender chicken, crisp snap peas, and carrots wrapped and fried to perfection offers a satisfying crunch. The sauce, with its balance of sweetness, heat, and umami, complements the dish beautifully. However, the frying process can be a bit cumbersome and may require careful monitoring to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Overall, it's a flavorful and impressive dish that would make a great addition to any dinner menu.
Enhance Your Copycat General Tso’s Chicken Roll Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Copycat General Tso’s Chicken Roll Recipe:
This General Tso’s Chicken Roll recipe is a must-try for any home cook. It combines the classic flavors of General Tso’s chicken with a unique twist, making it both familiar and exciting. The detailed instructions ensure that even beginners can achieve restaurant-quality results. Using fresh ingredients like snap peas, carrots, and ginger guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, the homemade sauce adds an authentic touch that you won't find in store-bought versions. Trust this recipe for a delightful culinary experience.
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