Name: Homemade General Tso Sauce Without Hoisin Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 tablespoons chili sauce; 1 teaspoon pepper flakes; 3/4 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons cornstarch

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Introduction

This homemade General Tso sauce delivers bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors without the use of hoisin sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for tossing with chicken, tofu, or vegetables to create a delicious Asian-inspired meal.

A white ceramic bowl filled with thick, dark brown sauce that looks shiny and smooth. A silver spoon is dipped into the sauce, with some sauce dripping off the spoon, showing its sticky texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger

1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons chili sauce

1 teaspoon pepper flakes
3/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, chili sauce, pepper flakes, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat a saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Pour in the sauce mixture and whisk continuously as it heats to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 3: Remove from heat. Use immediately with your favorite stir-fry or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Adjust chili sauce and pepper flakes to control the spice level.
Adding a splash of sesame oil at the end enhances flavor and aroma.

To thicken further, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and whisk into the sauce while simmering.

Storage

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, add a little water or broth while reheating to loosen it.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with a thick, glossy dark brown sauce that has a smooth and slightly uneven surface texture. The jar is placed on a white marbled texture, with a pair of chopsticks resting on top, showing beige color with red markings. The jar has metal clasps on the sides, adding a rustic touch to the presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making meal prep easier.

What can I use if I don’t have rice vinegar?

You can substitute rice vinegar with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different but still tasty.