General Tso Ramen
If you’re craving a delightful twist on a classic favorite, look no further than this General Tso Ramen! This dish combines the beloved flavors of General Tso’s chicken with the comforting warmth of ramen noodles, creating a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into this flavorful bowl of goodness!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This General Tso Ramen is a flavor explosion in every bite. Here’s what makes it special:
– Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
– Flavor-Packed: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili-garlic sauce creates a rich, complex flavor that elevates the dish.
– Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
– Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of ramen to soothe your soul, especially when it’s infused with those signature General Tso flavors.
Shopping List
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (not lite)
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce (up to 3 teaspoons, see note 1)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, loosely packed (see note 2)
- 3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 pound (12 ounces) chicken thighs or chicken tenders, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, measured after being trimmed of fat
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 (3-ounce) packets instant ramen noodles
- 2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms
- 5 cups thinly sliced bok choy leaves (1 large bok choy)
- Optional garnish (see note 3)
Appliances & Accessories
- Large pot: For boiling the ramen noodles and cooking the broth.
- Skillet or wok: To sauté the chicken and vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Cooking spatula: For stirring and mixing.
General Tso Ramen in Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, chili-garlic sauce (start with 1 teaspoon), brown sugar, chicken broth, toasted sesame oil, white pepper, and salt. Set this mix aside; it will serve as the flavorful base for your ramen.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the vegetable oil. Once heated, add the diced yellow onion, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Stir in the sliced mushrooms and bok choy. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soften and the bok choy to wilt.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, thickening the sauce.
Step 6: Cook the Ramen
Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add the instant ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 7: Serve
To serve, place a portion of the cooked ramen noodles in a bowl and ladle the General Tso chicken mixture over the top. Garnish as desired, perhaps with some sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of additional chili-garlic sauce for an extra kick!
Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps
- For gluten-free noodles, use rice noodles or gluten-free ramen instead of instant ramen.
- Ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free; tamari is a great alternative.
- All ingredients in this recipe are naturally dairy-free, making it perfect for those with dairy sensitivities.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
- Make sure to use reduced-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust the amount of chili-garlic sauce based on your spice preference; start small and add more if desired.
- Always measure chicken after trimming to ensure you have the correct amount for the recipe.
- When sautéing, don’t overcrowd the skillet; this may lead to steaming rather than browning.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
This General Tso Ramen is perfect for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. The flavors will deepen and enhance, making it even more delicious the next day. However, it’s best to keep the noodles separate if possible, as they may become mushy when stored with the sauce.
Quick Q&A
Can I use other proteins in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef, adjusting the cooking time as necessary to ensure everything is cooked through.
How spicy is this General Tso Ramen?
The spice level can be easily adjusted based on your preference. Start with 1 teaspoon of chili-garlic sauce and increase it gradually to suit your taste.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
While the chicken and sauce can be frozen, the noodles may not hold up well when thawed. It’s best to store them separately and combine them when ready to eat.
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See You at the Table
Now that you have the recipe for this delectable General Tso Ramen, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking! This dish is sure to become a staple in your home, warming your heart and satisfying your taste buds. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family at the table!
General Tso Ramen
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Sauce - In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, chili-garlic sauce (start with 1 teaspoon), brown sugar, chicken broth, toasted sesame oil, white pepper, and salt. Set this mix aside; it will serve as the flavorful base for your ramen.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken - In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics - In the same skillet, add the vegetable oil. Once heated, add the diced yellow onion, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the Vegetables - Stir in the sliced mushrooms and bok choy. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soften and the bok choy to wilt.
- Step 5: Combine Everything - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, thickening the sauce.
- Step 6: Cook the Ramen - Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add the instant ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 7: Serve - To serve, place a portion of the cooked ramen noodles in a bowl and ladle the General Tso chicken mixture over the top. Garnish as desired, perhaps with some sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of additional chili-garlic sauce for an extra kick!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- For gluten-free, use rice noodles or gluten-free ramen.
