Chinese cuisine has become an integral part of American cuisine. It is interesting to note that it is not just limited to Chinese population in America, but people from all walks of life have developed a taste for it, and it is available in nearly every corner of country. While there is a long list of Chinese dishes that are popular in America, there is one dish that stands out from rest, and that is General Tso's Chicken.
General Tso's Chicken is a dish that has a unique story of its origin. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a traditional Chinese dish but was created in early 1970s in Taiwanese city of Taipei. The dish was named after General Tso, who was a famous general during Qing Dynasty. The inventor of dish, Peng Chang-kuei, was a Taiwanese chef who had previously cooked for Chiang Kai-shek. The recipe for dish was inspired by traditional Hunanese cuisine and was made using chicken thighs that were deep-fried and coated with a sweet and soy-based sauce.
The dish quickly gained popularity in Taiwan, and in 1980s, when Chinese cuisine started becoming popular in America, it was introduced there as well. Today, General Tso's Chicken is available in almost every Chinese restaurant across United States. It has also been adapted to suit American palate, with some restaurants making it spicier or adding different vegetables to it.
The sweet and savory flavor of General Tso's Chicken is what makes it so popular. The chicken is crispy on outside and tender on inside, and sauce that it is coated in is a combination of sweet, sour, and spicy. The dish is also visually appealing, with its bright red color and garnish of green onions.
General Tso's Chicken is not just popular among Chinese food enthusiasts. It is an American favorite, and even President Obama has been quoted saying that it is one of his favorite dishes. The dish can be found not only in Chinese restaurants but also in other fast-food chains and supermarkets. It has also been subject of many food documentaries and has even inspired a Hollywood movie.
In conclusion, General Tso's Chicken has become most popular Chinese dish in America. The dish's unique combination of sweet and savory flavors and crispy texture has captured hearts and taste buds of millions of Americans. It has become an icon of Chinese cuisine in America, and its popularity does not seem to be diminishing anytime soon.