Bourbon Chicken Vs General Tso: Which One Is Your Pick?
What To Know
- General Tso is a dish named after Zuo Zongtang, a 19th-century Chinese general.
- General Tso is also double-fried, but the chicken is often marinated in a cornstarch batter before being fried.
- Bourbon chicken is typically served over a bed of white rice and accompanied by a side of steamed vegetables.
Bourbon chicken and General Tso, two beloved Chinese-American dishes, have captivated taste buds for decades. While they share similarities in their deep-fried, crispy exteriors, these dishes diverge in their flavors, textures, and origins. In this culinary showdown, we delve into the distinct characteristics of bourbon chicken and General Tso to determine which reigns supreme.
Origins and Regional Variations
Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon chicken traces its roots to the American South, particularly Kentucky. It is believed to have originated in the 1970s and has since become a popular dish in Chinese restaurants across the country.
General Tso
General Tso is a dish named after Zuo Zongtang, a 19th-century Chinese general. It originated in Taiwan in the 1950s and has gained widespread popularity in both the United States and China.
Flavors and Ingredients
Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon chicken is characterized by its sweet and tangy flavor. The sauce, typically made with bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar, provides a sticky and flavorful coating.
General Tso
General Tso has a bolder, spicier flavor than bourbon chicken. The sauce, made with soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and chili peppers, creates a complex and slightly sweet heat.
Cooking Techniques
Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon chicken is typically made with chicken that is double-fried. This results in a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a tender, juicy interior.
General Tso
General Tso is also double-fried, but the chicken is often marinated in a cornstarch batter before being fried. This gives the chicken a slightly crispier texture.
Appearance and Texture
Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon chicken has a deep amber color and a sticky, glossy appearance. The chicken pieces are typically cut into bite-sized chunks.
General Tso
General Tso has a reddish-brown color and a slightly crispy exterior. The chicken pieces are often larger than bourbon chicken and may be battered or unbattered.
Accompaniments and Sauces
Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon chicken is typically served over a bed of white rice and accompanied by a side of steamed vegetables.
General Tso
General Tso can be served with rice, noodles, or vegetables. It is often garnished with scallions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts.
The Verdict
Both bourbon chicken and General Tso offer unique and satisfying culinary experiences. While bourbon chicken excels with its sweet and tangy flavor, General Tso captivates with its bold and spicy notes. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preferences and taste.
Bourbon Chicken vs. General Tso: A Comparison Chart
| Feature | Bourbon Chicken | General Tso |
| — | — | — |
| Origin | American South | Taiwan |
| Sauce | Sweet and tangy | Bold and spicy |
| Cooking Technique | Double-fried | Double-fried with cornstarch batter |
| Appearance | Deep amber, sticky | Reddish-brown, crispy |
| Texture | Tender and juicy | Slightly crispy |
| Accompaniments | Rice, vegetables | Rice, noodles, vegetables |
FAQ
Q: Which dish is sweeter?
A: Bourbon chicken is typically sweeter than General Tso.
Q: Which dish is spicier?
A: General Tso is spicier than bourbon chicken.
Q: Which dish is more crispy?
A: General Tso is slightly crispier than bourbon chicken due to the cornstarch batter.
Q: Which dish is better for a quick meal?
A: Both bourbon chicken and General Tso can be prepared quickly and easily.
Q: Which dish is more versatile?
A: General Tso can be served with a wider variety of accompaniments, including noodles and vegetables.