Chef Travis Sparks from Tánsuŏ made General Tso's Chicken. (see recipe below) Tánsuŏ restaurant offers a modern take on Chinese classics and dim sum in a refined, spacious setting. Tánsuŏ is located at 121B 12th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203 Make reservations online at www.opentable.com. For more information, visit http://www.tansuonashville.com
General Tso's Chicken (serves 2)
1 lb chicken thighs
For chicken brine –
½ gallon of water
1/3 c sugar
¾ c salt
1 T each of Ginger,
Coriander seed,
Cumin seed,
Garlic,
Cilantro root,
Black pepper
Directions –
Crush all seeds slightly, heat in water and the return to main batch of brine.
Lay chicken with skin flap spread out. Cut 1/3 of the thigh, then cut the remaining piece in half. Roll up the chicken. The chicken will not stay rolled up, but it will retain its shape better if it is rolled.
Marinate drained chicken in brine mixture for at least two hours.
For frying batter -
4 oz cornstarch
2 eggs
Mix 4 oz cornstarch with two eggs and a touch of water. Let sit for two minutes. Mix with the chicken, then deep fry at 310 degrees until the chicken is 150 degrees.
For Tso Sauce -
1 T minced ginger
1/2 t chili flakes
2 cloves garlic
3 T rice vinegar
3 T soy sauce
2 t hoisin sauce
1/4 c water
3 T sugar
Directions –
Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. In a large skillet, reduce 1 cup of sauce until it begins to thicken. Add 6 pieces of the chicken and toss until glazed. Repeat until all chicken is sauced. Garnish with sesame seeds.
