Empress Chicken vs General Tso – What’s the difference?
When it comes to Chinese cuisine, there are numerous dishes to choose from, each with its own unique flavors and characteristics. Two popular dishes that often draw comparisons are Empress Chicken and General Tso Chicken. While they may seem similar, there are distinct differences between the two. Let’s delve into the details and explore the differences that set these dishes apart.
Empress Chicken
Empress Chicken is a dish that embraces spiciness as its defining characteristic. The sauce used in Empress Chicken is rice-based and has a strong kick. Unlike General Tso’s chicken, there are no added elements to tone down the heat or introduce sweetness or spiciness. When you order Empress Chicken in a Chinese restaurant, you can expect a dish that includes a variety of vegetables for a colorful and flavorful experience. In addition, Empress Chicken is typically made with all white meat, resulting in a leaner and milder flavor compared to dark meat.
The sauce for Empress Chicken is a blend of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, white vinegar, diced hot peppers and green onion, creating a spicy and aromatic profile that appeals to heat lovers.
General Tso Chicken
General Tso Chicken, on the other hand, is a more widely recognized and popular dish. It combines both heat and spice, creating a balance that appeals to a wider range of palates. The chicken used in General Tso Chicken can be either white or dark meat, providing a richer flavor and texture.
Unlike Empress Chicken, General Tso Chicken is deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior that adds a delicious texture to the dish. The sauce for General Tso Chicken includes ingredients such as hoisin, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar and chilies. The combination of chilies and brown sugar creates a harmonious blend of heat and sweetness that makes General Tso Chicken a crowd pleaser.
While both dishes feature onions and bell peppers, General Tso Chicken does not emphasize vegetables as much as Empress Chicken.
Recipe Summary
When comparing Empress Chicken and General Tso Chicken, it is clear that they have different characteristics and flavors. Empress Chicken is known for its intense heat and generous use of vegetables, while General Tso Chicken offers a balance of heat and spice, complemented by a crispy texture and a harmonious blend of flavors.
The choice between Empress Chicken and General Tso Chicken ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some may prefer the fiery kick of Empress Chicken, while others may opt for the balanced and crowd-pleasing nature of General Tso Chicken.
The next time you find yourself perusing a Chinese restaurant menu, armed with the knowledge of the differences between Empress Chicken and General Tso Chicken, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the unique flavors each dish has to offer.
FAQS
What is the main difference between Empress Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken?
The main difference is in the flavor profile. Empress Chicken is all spicy, while General Tso Chicken offers a blend of spice and heat.
Are there any differences in the ingredients used in the sauces?
Yes, the sauces for both dishes are slightly different. The Empress Chicken sauce contains ginger, garlic, soy sauce, white vinegar, diced hot pepper and green onion. General Tso’s chicken sauce contains hoisin, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar and chilies.
What kind of meat is used in Empress Chicken and General Tso Chicken?
Empress Chicken is typically made with all white meat, while General Tso Chicken can be made with both white and dark meat.
Do Empress Chicken and General Tso Chicken have different vegetable mixes?
Yes, they do. Empress Chicken often includes a variety of vegetables, offering a more diverse assortment compared to the primarily onion and bell pepper focus of General Tso Chicken.
Are Empress Chicken and General Tso Chicken fried?
Only General Tso Chicken is deep fried, resulting in a crispy texture. Empress Chicken is not typically fried.
Which dish is more suitable for people who prefer a milder taste?
Empress Chicken, which is made with all white meat and focuses on spiciness rather than heat, tends to have a milder taste compared to General Tso Chicken.