Orange Chicken and General Tso are two of the most popular Chinese dishes in the United States. Both dishes are characterized by a sweet-and-sour flavor and chunks of chicken, but there are subtle differences between the two dishes that set them apart.
Orange Chicken is a dish characterized by chunks of battered and fried chicken that are covered in a sweet and tangy orange-flavored sauce. The sauce is typically made with orange zest, garlic, chilli, vinegar and soy sauce. The dish is usually garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, and is served with steamed rice.
General Tso, on the other hand, is characterized by chunks of battered and fried chicken that are covered in a sweet and spicy sauce. The sauce is typically made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chilli peppers. General Tso is usually garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, and is served with steamed rice.
The biggest difference between Orange Chicken and General Tso is the flavor of their respective sauces. Orange Chicken is characterized by a sweet and tangy orange-flavored sauce, while General Tso has a sweet and spicy sauce. Additionally, while Orange Chicken is usually garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, General Tso is usually garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.
In terms of preparation, Orange Chicken and General Tso are quite similar. Both dishes are characterized by chunks of battered and fried chicken that are covered in a sweet and sour or sweet and spicy sauce. Additionally, both dishes are usually served with steamed rice and garnished with sesame seeds and either green onions or scallions.
Overall, Orange Chicken and General Tso are two popular Chinese dishes that are characterized by a sweet and sour or sweet and spicy flavor, chunks of battered and fried chicken, and a garnish of sesame seeds and either green onions or scallions. The two dishes differ in their respective sauces, with Orange Chicken having a sweet and tangy orange-flavored sauce, while General Tso has a sweet and spicy sauce.
Difference in Cooking Style
Orange Chicken and General Tso are two popular dishes found in Chinese-American restaurants. Though they are both made of chicken and have a similar sweet and savory taste, they differ significantly in terms of their cooking style.
Orange Chicken is a fried dish that is typically made with chunks of boneless chicken. The chicken is marinated in egg and then coated in a light batter before being deep-fried. The sauce is made from orange juice concentrate, vinegar, sugar and soy sauce. The dish is usually served with steamed white rice.
General Tso is also a fried dish, but the chicken is usually cut into more bite-sized pieces. The chicken is dusted with cornstarch and egg whites, and then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The sauce is made from soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, garlic, and ginger. General Tso is typically served with steamed rice and vegetables.
Difference in Taste
Orange Chicken and General Tso both have a similar sweet and savory flavor, but there are some key differences in taste.
Orange Chicken is sweeter and more acidic due to the addition of orange juice concentrate. It also has a hint of spice from the addition of chili peppers.
General Tso is less sweet than Orange Chicken and has a more balanced flavor with savory, sweet and spicy notes. The garlic and ginger in the sauce give the dish a slightly spicy kick.
Difference in Origin
Orange Chicken and General Tso are two dishes that differ in origin.
Orange Chicken is a dish found in Chinese-American restaurants. It is believed to have been created in the United States by Chinese immigrants who were adapting Chinese cooking techniques to the ingredients available in the US.
General Tso is a dish that originated in Taiwan. It is named after a Qing dynasty military leader, General Tso Tsung-tang. The dish has since become popular in restaurants in the US and other countries.