12 Perfect Vegetables to Pair With General Tso Chicken (Plus Awesome Side Dishes!)

Are you staring at that takeout menu wondering what vegetables go with General Tso chicken? Or maybe you’re making this Chinese-American favorite at home and want to create a balanced, colorful meal? You’re in the right place!

I’ve spent years perfecting my General Tso chicken game, and I’m excited to share the absolute best vegetable pairings and side dishes that’ll take your meal from good to “omg-I-need-seconds” amazing.

Why Adding Vegetables to General Tso Chicken Matters

Before diving into specific veggies let’s talk about why they’re so important. General Tso chicken is typically crispy, twice-fried chicken pieces coated in that signature sweet savory, and slightly spicy sauce. While delicious on its own, adding vegetables

• Adds nutritional balance (hello, vitamins!)
• Creates texture contrasts with the crispy chicken
• Soaks up that amazing sauce
• Makes your plate more colorful and appetizing
• Stretches your meal further (budget win!)

Now let’s explore the top vegetables that pair perfectly with this beloved dish!

12 Best Vegetables for General Tso Chicken

1. Broccoli: The Classic Choice

Broccoli is probably the most popular vegetable paired with General Tso chicken, and for good reason! Those little tree-shaped florets are sauce-catching machines, soaking up all that sweet-spicy goodness.

Why it works:

• The florets trap sauce in all their nooks and crannies
• Provides great color contrast with the dark sauce
• Adds vitamins C and K plus fiber
• Holds its shape and slight crunch when cooked properly

Pro tip: Add broccoli florets to your wok during the last few minutes of cooking so they soften slightly but maintain that satisfying bite.

2. Snow Peas: The Crisp & Sweet Option

Snow peas bring a delightful crunch and natural sweetness that balances the intensity of General Tso sauce perfectly.

Why it works:

• Maintains crispness even when cooked
• Bright green color livens up the dish
• Sweet flavor offers contrast to the spicy sauce
• Quick-cooking (just 1-2 minutes needed!)

Pro tip: Trim the tough string along the edge before cooking for the best texture.

3. Bell Peppers: The Colorful Choice

Bell peppers—especially red, orange, and yellow varieties—add vibrant pops of color and sweet crunch.

Why it works:

• Multiple colors create visual appeal
• Sweet flavor complements the sauce
• Maintains good texture when stir-fried
• Yellow peppers offer the mildest flavor if you’re using other strong-tasting vegetables

4. Bok Choy: The Authentic Addition

Both baby bok choy and regular bok choy pair beautifully with General Tso chicken.

Why it works:

• Leafy parts absorb sauce while stems stay crunchy
• Adds authentic Chinese flair
• Provides vitamins C, K, calcium, and fiber
• Baby bok choy offers a sweeter, more tender option

Pro tip: Separate the leaves from stems and add the stems first since they need more cooking time.

5. Zucchini: The Mild Team Player

Zucchini is like that friend who gets along with everyone—it’s not the star, but it supports the dish perfectly.

Why it works:

• Mild flavor that won’t compete with the sauce
• Soaks up sauce beautifully
• Adds moisture and nutrients
• Cooks quickly

Pro tip: Cut zucchini into half-moons for the best texture and fastest cooking.

6. Carrots: The Sweet Crunch

Carrots add natural sweetness and satisfying crunch to General Tso chicken.

Why it works:

• Natural sweetness complements the sauce
• Bright orange color pops on the plate
• Adds immune-boosting vitamin A
• Can be prepared different ways (matchsticks, coins, or julienned)

Pro tip: Grate or slice carrots thinly for quicker cooking, or add them earlier in the process if you want them softer.

7. Water Chestnuts: The Texture King

Canned water chestnuts are all about that unique crunchy texture!

Why it works:

• Maintains crunch even when cooked
• Neutral flavor that lets the sauce shine
• Creates delightful textural contrast with soft chicken
• No prep work needed (just drain and rinse)

8. Baby Corn: The Fun Addition

Baby corn brings sweetness, crunch, and visual interest to General Tso chicken.

Why it works:

• Cute mini corn shape adds visual appeal
• Soaks up sauce while maintaining structure
• Provides sweet flavor notes
• Available canned for convenience

9. Cabbage: The Underrated Star

Napa, green, or red cabbage are fantastic with General Tso chicken!

Why it works:

• Soaks up sauce incredibly well
• Provides filling fiber and vitamins C and K
• Adds subtle sweetness as it cooks
• Very economical option

Pro tip: For a quick meal, grab a bag of pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix!

10. Asparagus: The Elegant Option

Asparagus might seem unexpected, but it pairs beautifully with General Tso chicken.

Why it works:

• Delicate flavor highlights the sauce
• Elegant appearance elevates the dish
• Provides nice textural contrast
• Quick-cooking

Pro tip: Snap off the woody ends before cooking and cut spears into 2-inch pieces.

11. Green Beans: The Hearty Choice

Long, slender green beans balance chunks of chicken visually and taste-wise.

Why it works:

• Maintains good crisp-tender texture
• Subtle flavor works well with strong sauce
• Looks appealing when arranged with the chicken
• Holds up well if you have leftovers

12. Mushrooms: The Meaty Addition

Mushrooms like shiitakes, white buttons, and cremini add savory depth and meaty texture.

Why it works:

• Umami flavor complements the sauce
• Absorbs sauce beautifully
• Adds hearty, satisfying texture
• Provides immunity-boosting compounds

Pro tip: Sauté mushrooms early in the cooking process to allow them to brown slightly for the best flavor.

Creating the Perfect Vegetable Mix

I’ve found that selecting 3-4 vegetables creates the best balance without overcrowding the dish. Aim for contrasting textures, colors, and flavors for maximum appeal.

Some winning combinations I love:

• Broccoli, carrots, water chestnuts
• Snow peas, baby corn, red bell pepper
• Bok choy, asparagus, shiitake mushrooms
• Zucchini, green beans, baby carrots

Beyond Vegetables: Perfect Side Dishes for General Tso Chicken

While vegetables mixed directly into your General Tso chicken are amazing, you might also want some separate side dishes to complete your meal:

1. Eggy Fried Rice with Colorful Veggies

Fried rice is the perfect base for saucy dishes like General Tso chicken. Adding eggs and colorful veggies like peppers, carrots, and onions makes it both nutritious and delicious!

Quick tip: Keep bags of frozen rice in your freezer for super-quick meal prep. Just microwave and you’re good to go!

2. Chinese Crispy Noodles

If you’re not a rice person, crispy noodles are a fantastic alternative. These golden-brown, crunchy egg noodles are unbelievably moreish and make the perfect textural contrast to saucy General Tso chicken.

3. Vibrant Asian Chopped Salad

Since General Tso chicken can be quite rich, a vibrant salad brings welcome balance. Try a mix of carrots, cabbage, and sugar peas, sprinkled with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds, then dressed with a zesty vinaigrette.

4. Chinese Lettuce Wraps

For a fun, interactive meal, serve your General Tso chicken with lettuce wraps! Iceberg or little gem lettuce leaves make perfect “cups” for spooning in your chicken and veggies. Top with extra garnishes like sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or grated carrots.

5. Baozi (Chinese Steamed Buns)

These little steamed “packages” are perfect for soaking up extra sauce. You can fill them with minced meat or keep them vegetarian—either way, they’re a delicious accompaniment.

6. Crab Rangoon

These cream cheese and crab-filled wontons might not be authentic Chinese food, but they’re delicious with General Tso chicken! Serve with sweet chilli dipping sauce on the side.

Try This Quick General Tso Green Veggie Stir Fry Recipe

Want a super quick vegetarian version of General Tso’s? Try this easy stir-fry that takes just 10 minutes to make:

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• Squeeze of sriracha
• 1 tbsp arrowroot powder to thicken
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 cup French green beans
• 1/4 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 large diced white onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 cup your favorite rice

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and add snap peas, French green beans, frozen peas, and diced white onion.
2. Season with garlic powder and ginger and sauté on medium heat for 5 minutes (keep veggies crunchy!).
3. Meanwhile, make your rice according to package instructions.
4. Whisk together the sauce ingredients, adding arrowroot powder last.
5. Pour sauce over veggies and cook for another couple minutes until it thickens and coats everything.
6. Serve with sesame seeds and enjoy!

Storage Tips for General Tso Chicken

If you’ve made a big batch of General Tso chicken with vegetables, here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container
• Store extra sauce separately for up to 6 days
• Rice can be frozen, but the chicken texture might suffer if frozen
• When reheating, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat

Final Thoughts

General Tso chicken is awesome on its own, but adding the right vegetables transforms it from a basic takeout recreation into a restaurant-quality meal bursting with colors, textures, and nutrients. Whether you mix vegetables directly into the dish or serve them as sides, these pairings will take your General Tso chicken to the next level!

What’s your favorite vegetable to pair with General Tso chicken? Do you prefer mixing them in or serving them separately? Drop me a comment below—I’d love to hear your tasty combinations!