General Tso’s chicken is a sweet, fried chicken dish that is served across the United States at Chinese restaurants. It features chicken that has been fried and then coated in a sweet, salty sauce containing ingredients like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers. The origins of the dish are uncertain, but it is believed to have been invented by Chinese immigrants living in America sometime in the 1950s or 1960s.
Tao is a Chinese philosophy and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the universe. The core concept of Tao is that there is a natural order to the world which should be embraced rather than resisted. Key components of Taoism include yin and yang, wu wei (non-action), simplicity, and non-violence. The founder of philosophical Taoism is generally considered to be Lao Tzu, who lived in the 6th century B.C. Taoism evolved into a religion in later centuries and incorporated deities, rituals, and practices not found in the original philosophy.
Brief History of General Tso
General Tso’s chicken is named after Zuo Zongtang (also romanized as Tso Tsung-t’ang), a statesman and military leader who lived in China from 1812 to 1885. He played an important role in suppressing rebellions during the Qing Dynasty and was known for his military strategy. Despite the name, there is no evidence that the dish is based on a recipe that General Tso himself ate or created. The sweet chicken dish as we know it today was likely invented by Chinese immigrants in America wanting to create a Chinese dish that catered to American tastes.
The earliest mentions of the dish appear in the 1950s and 1960s in Chinese restaurants in New York City. It was originally called “General Ching’s chicken” before becoming known as General Tso’s chicken. Its popularity expanded greatly across the country in the 1970s as Chinese food became more mainstream in America. The dish was virtually unknown in China until introduced there in the 1990s. Today it is served at many Chinese restaurants in China to cater to foreign tourists, but is still not considered an authentic Chinese dish.
Overview of Taoism
Taoism originated in China around the 4th century BCE based on the teachings of Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching and the Zhuangzi texts. It started as a philosophy emphasizing living in harmony with the Tao, which literally means “the Way” and refers to the natural order and essence of the universe. Key components of early Taoist philosophy include:
- The yin-yang symbol representing opposites as complementary forces interacting to form a whole.
- Wu wei (non-action) – letting things happen naturally without force or resistance.
- Simplicity and non-violence.
- Reverence for nature and seeking union with the Tao.
Over the centuries, Taoism evolved from a philosophy into a religious tradition in China with added rituals, beliefs, and deities not found in the original texts. Religious Taoism incorporated elements from other traditions like Buddhism, Confucianism, and traditional Chinese folk religion. Key components of religious Taoism include:
- Belief in and worship of various gods, immortals, and ancestors.
- Use of rituals, ceremonies, charms, and divination.
- Pursuit of physical immortality and spiritual transcendence.
- Monastic orders and temple worship.
Taoism remains an influential philosophy and popular religion in China and Chinese communities worldwide today.
Differences Between General Tso and Tao
It is clear from examining their histories and characteristics that General Tso and Tao are very different concepts with no direct relationship:
- General Tso was a 19th century Chinese statesman while Tao is an ancient Chinese philosophy/religion.
- General Tso’s chicken is a modern American Chinese dish while Taoism originated in ancient China.
- There are no accounts suggesting General Tso himself followed or promoted Taoism.
- General Tso’s chicken involves deep-frying chicken in oil which goes against the Taoist emphasis on naturalness and simplicity.
- Taoism seeks spiritual enlightenment and harmony while General Tso’s chicken is a popular food dish not associated with spiritual pursuits.
In summary, General Tso and Tao have distinctly different origins and characteristics with no significant connections between the two. One represents a modern food creation while the other is an ancient tradition focused on naturalness and spirituality.
Origins of the Name Connection
Despite the lack of an actual connection between General Tso and Taoism, there are some theories about why the chicken dish came to be named after General Tso:
- General Tso was a popular Chinese historical figure familiar to many Chinese immigrants in America who invented the dish.
- Using the name of a respected military leader could lend some additional perceived authenticity and authority to the made-up American Chinese dish.
- General Tso’s full name in Chinese sounds somewhat similar to the word for “bright” or “shine” (zhao), which lines up with the glossy, lightly fried texture of the chicken.
- The existing association between General Tso and the sweet crispy chicken led to some mistaken assumptions that he must have been connected to Taoism’s emphasis on naturalness and balance.
However, these theories are largely speculative. The exact reasoning behind naming the dish General Tso’s chicken may never be fully known.
Examples of General Tso’s Chicken Recipes
Here are a few example recipes that capture the classic sweet, savory flavors of General Tso’s chicken:
Simple General Tso’s Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Cornstarch
- Oil for frying
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Hoisin sauce
- Chili garlic sauce
- Brown sugar
- Water or chicken broth
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch.
- Heat oil in wok or skillet over high heat. Fry chicken until crispy and cooked through, 3-5 minutes.
- Remove chicken from oil and drain on paper towel.
- In same pan, stir fry garlic, ginger for 30 seconds.
- Add soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin, chili garlic sauce, sugar and water/broth. Simmer 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken to pan and toss to coat in sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Garnish with green onions and serve over rice.
Authentic General Tso’s Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
- Ginger, minced
- Garlic, minced
- Scallions, chopped
- Chili peppers, chopped
- Rice vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Sugar
- Chicken stock
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Toss chicken with cornstarch to coat.
- Heat 1-2 inches oil in wok over high heat. Fry chicken in batches until crispy.
- Remove chicken and drain on rack or paper towels.
- Clean out most of the oil from wok and return to heat.
- Stir fry ginger, garlic, scallions and chilis for 30 seconds.
- Add vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin, sugar and stock. Bring to a boil.
- Return chicken to pan and toss to coat for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and more scallions.
These recipes provide the classic combination of crispy fried chicken, savory and sweet sauce, and aromatic flavors like ginger, garlic, and sesame that define General Tso’s chicken.
The Global Popularity of General Tso’s Chicken
Originally invented by Chinese immigrants in America, General Tso’s chicken has become a ubiquitous and beloved menu item at Chinese restaurants worldwide. Here is an overview of its global popularity:
- United States – Remains an extremely popular dish, served at over 50,000 Chinese restaurants across the country.
- China – Introduced in the 1990s, it can now be found in many restaurants in large cities to appeal to foreign tastes.
- Canada – Frequently featured at Canadian Chinese restaurants from Vancouver to Toronto.
- United Kingdom – Commonly served as a takeout dish and considered one of the most popular Chinese meals.
- Australia – A staple menu item at Chinese restaurants across Australia.
- Japan – Gained popularity along with Chinese cuisine and can be found in mall food courts.
While not an authentic Chinese dish, General Tso’s chicken has become a favorite Chinese food globally thanks to its flavorsome taste profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. Its popularity continues to grow as Chinese restaurants expand worldwide.
The Philosophical Aspects of Taoism
Taoism began as a philosophy that shaped Chinese culture and thought. Here are some of its key philosophical aspects:
Harmony with the Tao
The core emphasis in Taoism is aligning oneself with the cosmic force of the Tao by embracing simplicity and non-action (wu wei). This allows the Tao to guide one’s activities rather than exerting one’s own will.
Yin and Yang
The yin-yang symbol represents the belief that all things contain opposing and interconnected forces. Harmony is achieved by recognizing balance between yin and yang rather than resisting the opposing force.
Wu Wei
Wu wei translates to “non-action” or “non-doing”. It means letting things happen naturally without unnecessary force. Wu wei allows the Tao to guide situations without imposing one’s own intentions.
Naturalness
Taoism values the natural essence and spontaneity of the physical world and human experience. It aims to flow with rather than manipulate nature.
Simplicity
Simple and plain living allows one to focus on the Tao rather than material desires and societal pressures. Rejection of status and wealth leads to greater harmony.
These philosophical notions of living simply and naturally according to the cosmic Way became influential throughout Chinese culture.
Religious Components of Taoism
Over centuries, Taoism evolved from a philosophy into a religious tradition in China with the addition of various supernatural beliefs and rituals:
Deities
Taoism incorporated Chinese folk religions and began worshipping various Taoist gods and immortals. Popular deities include the Jade Emperor, Xuanwu, Guan Yu, and the Three Purities.
Alchemy and Immortality
Religious Taoists aspired to achieve immortality through alchemical elixirs, breathing meditation, and other disciplines. The sacred Mount Penglai was seen as a place where the Eight Immortals dwelled.
Temple Worship
Taoist temples became sites for communally worshipping deities, performing rituals, and holding festivals for the gods. Major temples could support orders of priesthood.
Writings and Symbols
Taoist monks compiled and added commentary on essential writings like the Tao Te Ching. Talismans, amulets, and symbolic hand gestures were also incorporated.
Monastic Tradition
Taoism developed a tradition of monastic orders where monks and nuns lived ascetic lives devoted to spiritual practice and scripture study.
These religious traditions overlaid the original philosophical foundations and gave Taoism its own religious identity in Chinese culture.
The Influence of Taoism in Chinese Culture
Taoism had a significant influence on various aspects of Chinese art, poetry, science, and culture:
- Arts – Taoist themes of nature and harmony are prominent in Chinese landscape painting and ceramics. The yin-yang symbol is also widely used.
- Language – Concepts like yin-yang and wu wei have become part of the Chinese lexicon used even by non-Taoists.
- Government – Taoism’s distrust of authority and bureaucracy influenced some Chinese rulers to adopt a hands-off approach to governing.
- Medicine – The Taoist emphasis on health and vitality contributed to Chinese practices like acupuncture, herbalism, tai chi exercises, and qi (breath) control.
- Poetry – Major poets like Li Bai wrote about Taoist spiritual themes and natural imagery rooted in Taoism.
Taoism was not just a minor sect but an integral component of Chinese culture that reshaped everything from the arts to politics with its unique concepts and worldview.
Conclusion
In summary, General Tso and Tao have very distinct histories and characteristics despite some mistaken assumptions linking the two concepts. General Tso was a 19th century Chinese general while Tao refers to the ancient Chinese philosophical tradition of Taoism that later developed into a religion. General Tso’s chicken is a modern American Chinese food creation that uses the general’s popular name, but has no authentic connection to the man himself or to Taoist principles. Nevertheless, both General Tso’s chicken and Taoism itself have had a major cross-cultural impact, though in very different domains.