How to Make Takeout Icon General Tso’s Chicken

Steve Chu, chef and co-owner of Ekiben in Baltimore, is in the MUNCHIES Test Kitchen making a dish so popular in America, you may be eating it right now: General Tso’s Chicken. This Chinese-American takeout classic is made with double-fried chicken breast meat and an iconic sauce that Steve puts his culinary twist on. Paired with steamed broccoli florets, this meal will turn your kitchen into a Chinese restaurant.
Check out the recipe here: www.vice.com/en/article/88gqp...
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[@mcheung97]

This guy is amazing - he drove over six hours just to cook a dish for a dying customer. Incredible man and fantastic chef.

[@WaffleNova]

I miss ekiben soooo much. Not only was the hampden location a block from me, I had the honor of working there. If your ever in baltimore get yo ass to Ekiben!!!!!

[@falljeff111]

Just looked up the story from the Washington Post - did everything in my power to keep from tearing up.

[@MrRUSSWILL]

The owners of Eikben are decent human beings with an incredible product… officially Bmore co-signed .

[@Nicosdayinthelife]

all ❤🙌 baby

[@hisroyalhighness8566]

Where is the story? How did you hear about it?

[@ek0283]

This dude needs his own show.

[@mezzafinook]

yall say this literally about everyone who comes on here with a likeable personality lmao

[@skywalkn297]

@@mezzafinook gotta put people on

[@nicetimefuntimes7532]

Surely he does

[@senormoll]

fr where do they find these people? Dude is just some random chef and I'd watch him over 90% of food network hosts honestly though shoutout to the munchies production crew for making the hosts feel so comfortable, because these vids always have the right energy

[@constancemiller3753]

@@mezzafinook they just want seconds.

[@davidc7450]

Went to the same college as this guy, incredibly proud. In their early days, they showed up at campus events to sell their crazy good sandwiches. And now, years later, I live in Baltimore proper and hit Ekiben up frequently. They're just that good. Happy he's getting attention, this looks like some fantastic General Tso's.

[@shettydhruvnitin5872]

Which college was it can you please tell?

[@davidc7450]

@@shettydhruvnitin5872 Sure. It's called UMBC and it's right outside of Baltimore. The other co-founders of Ekiben are also alumni.

[@shettydhruvnitin5872]

@@davidc7450 thank you so much brother

[@jeffpro8]

You were on the very few people that I believe that went to school with a famous person from the internet. That is awesome! 😸

[@erk8520]

Graduated there too in 2016! BFA in graphic design.

[@rossedwardmiller]

Steve is already a legend in Baltimore. Ekiben is good enough that it could succeed in any city in America, but they are now working on their 3rd Baltimore location rather than expanding out to the counties or DC. True hometown heroes.

[@g0ldensample21]

Come to Houston, TX

[@ricepattie]

This dish is at the crossroads of American and Chinese culture. The coke + the oyster and dark and light soy sauces perfectly exemplifies that. Can't wait to make it at home

[@chrish4439]

Ya except it's a 200 year old dish that wasn't made from Coca Cola so that doesn't really make sense lol

[@ChrisMaxfieldActs]

@@chrish4439 I think we can assume two things: the version of this dish popular in the USA has been adapted to more closely suit the tastes of this country, and this recipe shown here has been further adapted by the chef cooking it. The original General Tso's chicken from 200 years ago was likely different in a number of ways. The dish popular here in the USA, is not popular or really known in China as a big deal. It's not Chop Suey, but it's more "American" than Chinese.

[@brucelee5576]

@@chrish4439 Lol it was invented in Taiwan in 1950 but really the modern version we all eat today was invented in New York in 1970 , most people in China probably have never heard of it.

[@GarC170]

Steve is legit the best chef munchies has on rotation. Chinese American cuisine never gets the respect it deserves. What Chinese immigrants managed to accomplish with such limited ingredients, and then proceeded to Tailor them to the tastes of European-Americans succeeding wildly. I’m white af but potstickers, beef and broccoli, and sesame chicken when done correctly is absolutely the best soul food. Ironically these days I love the spicier dishes. But as a little kid those three dishes are what bring me back most. Good Chinese 100% of the time reminds me of my dad. Chinese takeout from down the block was our gourmet meal, it’s how we celebrated a lot of times. But yeah thank you for sharing your recipes man.

[@toddb6576]

When I seen the coke and ketchup, I became a laser-focused drooling puppy on a couch to see how you make your version of General Tso chicken. Your confidence, demeanour and carefree attitude with the swearing is your game and like no other chef on youtube. Keep up the good work and don't change your style. I laughed and cried, cried because I can't taste it! God bless you and your loved ones Chef Steve. I wish you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous 2023.

[@JaphethStauffer]

I made this last night and his instructions are great! Never made General Tso's before but it was a huge hit with my family! Thanks for giving me the courage to try something new!

[@miao4884]

I was thinking of making it while watching this video.

[@BlazeOrangeDeer]

But keep in mind if you aren't using a really hot flame (I only have an electric stove), reducing the sauce will take *forever*.

[@miao4884]

@@BlazeOrangeDeer Try several times, I used electric range before and there were times that soup got burnt. 😅

[@manzeve1218]

I boil the chicken shortly first so its cooked and all I have to do is crisp the coating until golden brown

[@over9000optimally]

Did you make it with the coke or with sugar? And how'd it turn out?

[@th4nat0s]

can't help but smile all throughout this vid, Steve's smile and laughter are so infectious and his approach to food is just warm and wholesome. he truly deserves the world

[@GarrettTaira]

This guy is hilarious - he should have his own show

[@danceyrselfkleen]

How’s he going to move around on camera if his balls are in your mouth?

[@Joseph-kh8um]

@@danceyrselfkleen LOL

[@bodeelittlegeorge26]

@@danceyrselfkleen 🤣🤣🤣

[@dmac7403]

Called bad jokes

[@GarrettTaira]

@@danceyrselfkleen why would he want to move around the area with his balls in my mouth?

[@CaseysKidz]

I made this dish this evening for dinner and paired it with some homemade fried rice. Let me tell you! It was very very delicious. Any time I eat Chinese food out I always order General's Chicken. It's so nice to be able to make it at home now. Sending Chef Steve Chu a big Thank You from Sacramento, California

[@Goochball]

I cheated a bit and bought a jar of General Tso’s sauce from the store, but I used your method to make the chicken and it came out absolutely perfect! Thanks, Steve!

[@williamscerbo458]

Steve Chu is the GOAT, the fried chicken and catfish from Ekiben are unbeatable

[@louiearmstrong]

the chicken meatballs are the real Eki-GOAT

[@rockhoward3677]

The tofu nuggets (w extra sauce) are randomly one of the best things ive ever eaten

[@lukustexter3948]

Their tempura broccoli is one of my favorite things I’ve ever eaten. Everything is fantastic though

[@M2a3i]

He’s a really good teacher. I’m either nodding or laughing every time he says something.

[@brentgabel3660]

Chicken is such a great gateway drug to Chinese food for the American palate. Crispy crunchy chicken. Sauce laden with a bunch of sugar.... That is so awesome and the bit at the end about the blunt. Priceless. He's awesome.

[@benedettocracolici197]

Hi's family came to America and worked hard, especially his father. Now he took the footsteps of his father. Awesome people.

[@invaderzimismyfav]

He made it seem like I could actually cook this by myself

[@guynobodyknows]

Dude needs his own show

[@darbypierce]

Great start to a new series guys! Can’t wait for more installments and hopefully more of chef Steve Chu!

[@arusamajeed8488]

I tried this. It was incredible. I switched the ketchup for hoisin sauce and the apple cider vinegar with rice wine vinegar. Kept everything else, including the Coke, as is. Phenomenal and very great way of explaining. Delicious.!

[@xnick99]

Love the Doom samples

[@stirlingfromla]

I have been making General Tso's for my family for 20+ years....and this recipe is SO different that I got to give it a try. Looks amazing.

[@ch3t117]

what’s your recipe ?!? 20 years must be good

[@OKatsby]

Yeah. Drop that recipe!

[@camalex7782]

Yes drop it pla

[@The.Original.Potatocakes]

Don’t hoard that recipe bro!

[@LiquidSoul06]

Well

[@mikelauducci]

Shout out from Hunan Changsha! I haven't had General Tso chicken in years, and I've been telling my wife how good it is. We saw ur video and made it tonight, it was awesome! Thank u!

[@NewsMonkey123]

"The Search for General Tso" is a great documentary from 2014 that explains the history of this dish. General Tso's chicken (zuo zong ji) is practically unheard of in China. Chef Peng Chang-kuei claims to have invented the dish in Taiwan, and it subsequently became popular in the U.S.

[@jumpinjohnnyruss]

So it's not even Chinese? The Taiwanese should be taking much more credit for this dish. Then again, Taiwan already numba one, and they have such a lead that it may not matter.

[@MarkusSchober]

Chef Peng is from Hunan. He fled to Taiwan when he was 30.

[@miao4884]

@@jumpinjohnnyruss lol, Taiwan is not a country, it is a province of China which is currently run by the expelled former government of Republic of China. Do some research man.

[@miao4884]

@@MarkusSchober He is one of the thousands of thousands soldiers, merchants, intellectuals and ROC (Republic of China) officials who fled to Taiwan after losing the civil war.

[@agentcooper6179]

@@miao4884 Taiwan is a country. 🇹🇼

[@GregCurtin45]

Thank you Chef Chu. I love the detailed instructions given so viewers could actually make this themselves. Appreciate you taking the time to make the video and hope you return with many more videos (especially of recipes YOU like to eat)

[@zacnoel6543]

Anybody who cooks alongside DANGER DOOM beats is a good human.

[@fartguts]

love this guy's enthusiasm!

[@NonstopChulha]

Love the way chef you instruct the chicken recipe....Thank you for sharing

[@gabyswastika8480]

Watching him cook is so comforting! 🥰 I'm a newbie fan! 💃🏽

[@soloserved1991]

Steve you got me in tears😂 man I know you keep everyone rolling..hell of a guy and a great great chef...had to subscribe to your channel..will be watching every time you drop one

[@babylicee4479]

Steve you are amazing..i love this food being a jamaican Chinese mix we made this to feed a family of 8...6 kids 2 parents..you inspire us

[@granthutcherson4510]

The only Chinese takeout dish I ever buy. you make it look completely freaking delicious man. I dig the way you simplified the brown sauce with soda water too. Keep on making the world a better place brother.

[@tashimajordan6074]

I just fell in love! The food looks amazing as well! 😍🤩

[@bryanlefebvre9543]

This guy rocks, Pepsi sucks, Maryland is awesome. Facts. Merry Christmas!

[@Kevin-ql2kb]

Shh Merry Christmas

[@Quinteraoceana]

Huge hit! Everyone loves this recipe. I always get “I’m amazed you know how to make it from scratch!” Thanks so much!!!

[@midnightcat6116]

“We’re here for a good time. Not for a long time.” 😹💀💗

[@breatheu]

I've made this many times before but your version is the best I've had, even from my local restaurants( no joke). I never give reviews and I had to give this one! It's a huge hit. I made a big batch and it was gone. Thanks!

[@GregSzarama]

He used both, coke and sugar. Did you too? Was it very super sweet? I'm aware this was 5 months ago so you might not remember.

[@Racinrob3]

@@GregSzarama it was not that sweet. The only part we didn't like was the vinegar. I will not use that next time

[@alvinlee140]

Thank you for showing this dish, Merry X'mas and Happy New Year

[@alexfialon1]

I go to school in baltimore and ekiben was the first place i tried when i got there, and to this day it’s still my favorite. it’s incredible!

[@GiovannyDL]

I just did it and it was amazing! easy to do! Thanks a lot for this recipe!

[@Plem_xo]

I'd love to see this guy again on this channel somehow. Very entertaining and fun to watch

[@zentoco]

Ok, I'm now humbled how much goes into my favorite dish. I'll be sure to order it now with reverence in the future.

[@xjambonbillx8286]

Forget the other recipes of this dish on youtube, i just made it and this one is the real deal. Thank you.

[@shantellfuller1807]

This dish was delicious. I followed step by step and my husband couldn't believe how close to NY chinese food it was. The cursing is hilarious. I'm following😂

[@mikelauducci]

Making this next week, thx for the recipe sir

[@sylviametos8815]

OMG! This chicken recioe looks amazing!

[@stevelehman7637]

This is my Son's favorite Chinese recipe. Thank you for sharing with us. I am going to try making for sure yum.

[@pg5419]

This is mediation! So therapeutic 😂😍 I love his personality! So funny and entertaining

[@KrasMazovHatesYourGuts]

From what I've researched, General Tso's Chicken is technically a Chinese dish (it was created by a Chinese chef who was the personal cook to Chiang Kai-shek and fled to Taiwan after the Civil War), but it's a very niche dish that is practically unheard of over tehre. The version we have over here is a modification of that original dish.

[@Alvaro-qz6qk]

Cussing and fried chicken. My life

[@dieselny9739]

Looks amazing. Going to make this over the weekend.

[@autumnsah3282]

Amazing! Thank you 😊 your a great teacher!

[@CM-bp6qb]

Loveeeee love ekiben. There’s nothing like it out in the whole world. Just thinking about it makes me so hungry 🤤

[@casualuser8064]

100%! One of the rare places that I’ve found on social media that lived up to what I expected and then some. I stop by every time I’m in Baltimore.

[@WhatThePublicWants]

THE GOAT HAS RETURNED! Steve Chu is the best

[@fxbelieve546]

Made this today it was simply amazing, my family loved it.

[@tufelahmed1690]

Love the way described n add humorous presentation

[@khoapham2764]

Looks 🔥🔥🔥! Thanks brother!!

[@dusthastricks]

This dude is funny af. So glad he was thorough about the reducing process. I always think I'm not doing it enough but I get impatient.

[@Jl2damax]

Lotta personality in this little dude, I could watch a show with him as the host

[@Salvodavie]

Cooked this for the first time tonight! Unbelievable! I substituted red chilis for the dried peppers since you can find those at any store. I never wouldve guessed how tender the chicken gets from the velveting process. 10/10 must make.

[@poloshmolo]

We need a Chef's Night Out with Steve and friends in Baltimore

[@leorickt.9604]

Chefs night out in dundalk baby

[@donmilleriii7399]

I appreciate the lack of bullshit in Mr Chu. No ancient wisdom, just pure "the market likes it and it's cheap as fuck!" Dig it.

[@joesantamaria5874]

This comment wins

[@SonnyMeadows]

These chefs are always so chill😎

[@tanyad3052]

OMG this is my favorite chicken I am so happy I found this recipe.. Thank you looks delicious!!

[@redtidalwave3377]

I like your take on General Tso's chicken.. I'm gonna try the coke when I make my sauce.. All these years cooking Chinese and I never deviated off my recipe.. I guess it's because it's such a good one! But I love Coca-Cola so, thanks for the tip!

[@solidkingcobra]

more of this guy please.

[@dannyfryer384]

love this guy's energy

[@troyounce3295]

10:04 I'll bet your dad is very proud. You are talented yet chill and having fun while doing your job.

[@Truth.Keeper]

"General Tso's chicken, that sent a lot of f****** kids to college"

[@restaurantman]

Truth. My family owned a Chinese takeout restaurant and General Tso's Chicken helped to pay our home mortgage.

[@SigHDucK5]

America's favorite fried chicken dish is RIGHT!

[@roberth2627]

This dude is funny as hell ..& I love Genral Tso's Chicken ..now I can try & make it at home.. thanks Chef Steve Chu..! !

[@cocopen3415]

Baltimore!!!!!!! Love this guy. We’ve been wanting to go to his place for months. Just hadn’t worked out.

[@ButCritically]

Love his energy! Also a lefty!!

[@ScreaminSavior]

That looks like the best General Tso's ever! I like the idea of using Coca Cola in it. I gotta get to Baltimore again. He's also super awesome, give him a show!

[@MaybeDOOM]

This guy needs his own show

[@raulsaenz9085]

Great presentation! Really enjoyed it!!!

[@ronkrodel2422]

WOW Steve, Just came across your video and loved it !!! Binge watching now.

[@joereyna614]

This dudes personality is great! Like i wanna chill with the guy lol.. Definitely positive vibes.. I enjoyed the vid & will try making this.. PS Blue Cola (Pepsi) is killer!

[@thegoldrobber]

This chef is super cool and skilled. Can he do some more vids - pretty please?

[@jasons1537]

Not sure why, but I really appreciated the profanity! I think it brings me back to my days of working in a restaurant kitchen.

[@dr.richardnixon7125]

I was a cooked 18 years hearing you talk your shyt made me feel like I was back on the line I love your kitchen humor lol. Keep up the good work brother

[@AliSamadpour]

This was awesome, please give Steve his own show

[@gab.lab.martins]

He didn’t explain it, so I will: “velveting” tenderises meat because egg whites and sodium bicarbonate are alkaline, which changes the structure of the proteins and gives the characteristic bouncy-yet-tender texture of Chinese food. It’s similar to ramen noodles, and Mexican corn masa.

[@hornysanders6244]

I thought the baking soda was alkaline, not the cornstarch?

[@gab.lab.martins]

Yes, thanks for the correction.

[@scouthanamura2380]

Cheers Gabriel

[@BlackSmallBiz]

When I was looking for a recipe and I saw the Maryland hat I knew this recipe would do me good. Love his energy! 🙌🏾

[@nazufani4016]

👍One of my favorites Thank you 👍

[@lucycliburn2344]

We need to see more of this young Cook!

[@missmya3972]

Omg I love this guy. He's raw, unedited and good looking too.

[@nancyjimenez2307]

I made it, thanks for sharing this recipe it’s delicious 😋 😊

[@wendyhannan2454]

Love this guy, he’s a natural 😊

[@whitenoise509]

Totally agree about the broccoli! My friends and I found a wild broccoli plant near to where we were camping years ago. Free broccoli, hell yeah! We all chowed down.

[@warrenparker7961]

This dude is awesome.

[@TimTru]

Thank you for video!!! When I was in New York, I ate it every day. She's amazing delicious )))

[@brandenlikesbeer]

This dude has the best vibes... Loved every second of this vid!

[@patrickj.clifton9988]

I really enjoy watching this guy cook, he’s hilarious

[@Zeem124]

I’m going to Ekiben tomorrow for lunch this guy rules

[@cindywilliams2531]

Love the video!!! Funny and educational

[@ryana6978]

Looks amazing! General Tso’s is definitely my favorite Chinese dish. I’m going to try to make this for sure. I really enjoy the Chef too....good personality instead of some that are very dry or talk like a businessman, etc.

[@DSingh25]

Ekiben is so ridiculously good! My favorite takeout place in Baltimore!

[@twistedthrifterb6220]

This guy couldn't be any cuter❤️

[@micheledahl491]

This guy is awesome! He needs his own show on TV! Can cook, funny, & great recipes!

[@dcwatley]

ekiben is amazing, great video!! Dont ever close your restaurant we freaking love it.