Kung Pao and General Tso are two popular Chinese chicken dishes that often cause confusion because of their similarities. Although they are both chicken dishes, they have different origins, flavors, and ingredients.
Key Takeaways
- Kung Pao is an authentic Chinese dish, while General Tso originated in Chinese restaurants in the United States.
- Kung Pao is hot and spicy, while General Tso is sweet and spicy.
- Peanuts are an integral part of Kung Pao, but they are not found in General Tso.
Kung Pao
Kung Pao, also known as Gong Bao chicken, comes from the central province of Sichuan in China. The dish was named after a governor of Sichuan province during the Qing dynasty. Kung Pao is made by quickly frying marinated raw chicken along with skinless roasted peanuts, rice wine, oyster sauce, chilies, carrots, cabbage, and celery. However, the American version of Kung Pao often excludes Sichuan peppercorn, which is a main ingredient in the Chinese version.
General Tso
General Tso’s chicken is a sweet and spicy dish that became popular in Chinese restaurants across the United States. Interestingly, this dish was unknown in China until chefs from US restaurants returned to their home country. The name of the dish is believed to be after a Qing Dynasty official, but the claim is not genuine. Today, General Tso’s chicken is one of the most sought-after Chinese dishes in American restaurants.
Comparing Kung Pao and General Tso
While both dishes are popular Chinese chicken dishes, Kung Pao is an authentic Chinese dish with a long history, while General Tso is a more recent creation from Chinese restaurants in the United States. Kung Pao’s flavor is hot and spicy, while General Tso’s is sweet and spicy. Additionally, peanuts are a key ingredient in Kung Pao but are not found in General Tso.
