Are you curious about how many calories are in 2/3 cup (5 oz) of General Tso's Chicken? Look no further! This dish is a popular choice for Chinese food lovers, but it's important to know the nutritional information. In this article, we'll break down the calories and other important facts about General Tso's Chicken.

In addition to the calories, this dish has a significant amount of fat and cholesterol. However, it also contains protein and carbohydrates, and some important vitamins and minerals. Keep reading to learn more.

Whether you're looking to enjoy this dish for a special occasion or just want more information about Chinese food, we have the details you need to know. From preparation to serving suggestions, we'll take you through all the important aspects of General Tso's Chicken.

Calories and Serving Size

In 2/3 cup (5 oz) of General Tso's Chicken, there are approximately 319 calories. This may seem high for such a small serving size, but it's important to keep in mind when planning your meals. It's also important to note that this serving size only includes the chicken and sauce, not any additional sides like rice or vegetables. If you add these to your meal, the calorie count will be higher. Overall, General Tso's Chicken is a higher calorie option, so it's important to watch your portions and consider it a special treat rather than a regular part of your diet.

Fat and Cholesterol Content

In addition to the calories, General Tso's Chicken also has a significant amount of fat and cholesterol. In 2/3 cup (5 oz) of this dish, there are approximately 14 grams of fat and 90 milligrams of cholesterol. These values can vary depending on the exact recipe or restaurant you get your General Tso's Chicken from, but it's important to be aware of the potential levels. If you're watching your fat or cholesterol intake, it may be worth considering a different dish or finding a way to modify the recipe to reduce these values.

Protein and Carbohydrates

On the positive side, General Tso's Chicken does contain some protein and carbohydrates. In 2/3 cup (5 oz), you'll get approximately 19 grams of protein and 18 grams of carbohydrates. These values will again vary depending on the recipe or restaurant, but it's good to have some nutritional benefits from your meal. Just be aware of the calorie count and fat/cholesterol content as well to make sure you're getting a balanced meal.

Vitamins and Minerals

General Tso's Chicken also contains some important vitamins and minerals. For example, you'll get a small amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. While these values may not be huge, they can still contribute to your overall nutrition for the day. However, it's important to balance out these nutrients with other healthy choices in your diet to get a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Sodium and Sugar Levels

One important factor to keep in mind with General Tso's Chicken is the sodium and sugar content. In 2/3 cup (5 oz), you'll get approximately 1013 milligrams of sodium and 21 grams of sugar. These levels can be quite high, especially for people with certain health conditions or who are watching their salt or sugar intake. If you're concerned about these levels, you may want to choose a different dish or consider making General Tso's Chicken at home with lower sodium and sugar ingredients.

Health Benefits

While General Tso's Chicken may not be the healthiest choice, it does contain some nutritional benefits as we've discussed. Plus, it can be a delicious and satisfying meal! If you're looking for ways to make this dish a little healthier, consider using leaner cuts of chicken, using less sauce or a lower-sodium option, or adding more vegetables to your meal. Overall, moderation is key when it comes to General Tso's Chicken. Enjoy it as a treat rather than a regular part of your diet to get the most benefit.

Ingredients List

General Tso's Chicken is typically made with boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into small pieces and fried until crispy. It's then coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made with ingredients like soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. The sauce can vary slightly depending on the recipe or restaurant, but these are some of the common ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Method

To make General Tso's Chicken at home, you'll need to start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breast into small pieces. Then you'll need to coat them in a mixture of cornstarch, egg, and soy sauce before frying them until crispy. While the chicken is frying, you can start making the sauce by combining ingredients like soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a pan. You'll need to bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Once the chicken is crispy and the sauce has thickened, you'll combine them in the pan and toss everything together until the chicken is coated evenly in sauce. Serve hot with rice or vegetables if desired.

Serving Suggestions

General Tso's Chicken is typically served with rice and/or vegetables as a side dish. You could serve it over plain white rice, brown rice, or noodles if you prefer. For vegetables, you could try steamed broccoli, carrots, or snow peas to add some color and nutrition to your meal. Overall, General Tso's Chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with different sides depending on your preferences.

Variations

While General Tso's Chicken is delicious on its own, there are also some variations you could try to mix things up. For example, you could add some spice by using more red pepper flakes or hot sauce in the sauce. You could also make a healthier version by using leaner cuts of chicken or using a low-sodium soy sauce or sauce substitute. Finally, you could even try making General Tso's Tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian or vegan option!