While small on the fork (or between the chopsticks if you are fancy and coordinated), General Tso’s chicken can be heavy on regret. Breaded, deep-fried, and coated in a goopy, sugary sauce (unlike this lightened-up version of General Tso Chicken), it is notorious for being one of the least healthy dishes on a Chinese restaurant menu. With that being said, it’s also delicious (as is this Honey Lime Tofu Stir Fry). I decided to see if I could replicate the same addictive flavor of classic General Tso’s, but in a way that would be both reasonably healthy and attainable for a weeknight meal (like with this Homemade Fried Rice and Egg Roll in a Bowl). The answer came in the form of sticky, sweet apricot jam and an everyday can of chickpeas. Skeptical? You’re going to have to trust me on this one.
How to Make General Tso’s Chickpeas
With all the BEST flavors of traditional General Tso’s chicken, this vegetarian chickpea version is coated in a sweet, sticky sauce (made without gobs of brown sugar) and married with tender red peppers and broccoli. (Try this General Tso’s Tofu for another lightened-up vegetarian version of this dish.)
The Ingredients
Chickpeas. Instead of fussing over deep frying chicken, I opted to sauté canned chickpeas instead. This swap not only makes this dish MUCH easier, but it also makes it healthier too! (They’re also the base to my favorite Chickpea Curry.)Broccoli. Contrasts the sweetness of the sauce and packs in a daily dose of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. Red Bell Peppers. A classic addition to General Tso in most takeout recipes. I love the color, crunch, and flavor the red peppers lend my vegetarian version.Garlic + Green Onion. For a little zip and bite.Soy Sauce. Gives the sauce that iconic Asian umami flavor (also found in this Tofu Stir Fry). The saltiness of the soy sauce balances against the sweetness of the jam and hoisin.
Hoisin Sauce. A little sweet, a little savory. This thick, fragrant sauce is made from fermented soybeans.Apricot Jam. My secret to creating a thick, sticky takeout-style sauce in minutes.Rice Vinegar. Adds some necessary acidity to balance out all the flavors of this easy General Tso’s sauce.Cornstarch. Thickens the sauce.Ginger. An essential ingredient that gives this dish some classic General Tso’s flavor, spice, and heat.Chili Garlic Sauce. Gives the sauce a little (or a big) kick. Adjust the amount in the recipe to suit your personal tolerance for spice.
The Directions
Tools Used to Make This Recipe
Non-stick wok. If you like to prepare stir fries regularly, investing in a simple wok is a must.Mini whisk. For whisking together the yummy General Tso’s sauce.Measuring Cup. Makes measuring the sauce ingredients a breeze.
Chickpeas instead of chicken—I think General Tso would approve.
