If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with bold flavors, crispy shrimp, and that perfect balance of sweet and spicy, you’re absolutely going to fall in love with this General Tso Shrimp Recipe. It takes the classic, beloved General Tso’s chicken idea and elevates it with succulent shrimp, delivering a quick, satisfying meal that feels indulgent but comes together in no time. Every bite offers a wonderful combination of garlic, ginger, and tangy sauce coated on shrimp with a delightful crunch, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this General Tso Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity and the carefully chosen ingredients that work harmoniously to build layers of flavor. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s adding texture, zing, or that sticky-sweet glaze that brings it all together.
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy protein.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Essential for creating that crispy coating that locks in moisture when frying.
- 2 large eggs beaten: Acts as a binding agent to help the cornstarch adhere to the shrimp.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying: Perfect for frying the shrimp to a golden crisp without overpowering their flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Adds a fragrant, savory depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced: Brings a zesty, warming note that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone that enriches the sauce’s complexity.
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar: Provides acidity to brighten and lift the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds sweetness and a hint of smoky richness.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Crucial for that signature sweet kick that complements the spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Delivers just the right amount of heat; adjust to taste.
- 1/4 cup water: Used to balance the sauce consistency.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water: This slurry thickens the sauce to a glossy, clingy finish.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: Freshness and a nutty crunch elevate the final presentation.
How to Make General Tso Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry—this step is key for achieving that irresistible crispiness. Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, then coat them evenly with cornstarch. This double-layer method ensures the shrimp fry up golden and crunchy.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and fry the shrimp in batches. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden color and are cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Remove most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about a teaspoon to sauté the aromatics. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking briefly until fragrant—this fragrance will start building the sauce’s signature flavor. Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, and water in a small bowl, then pour the mixture into your skillet to bring it to a simmer.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious, sticky glaze. This step transforms your sauce into the perfect consistency to cling onto the shrimp beautifully.
Step 5: Coat the Shrimp in Sauce
Add the fried shrimp back into the skillet and toss them gently but thoroughly to ensure every shrimp is coated with the vibrant sauce. This finishing touch guarantees each bite bursts with that signature General Tso flavor.
How to Serve General Tso Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
To make this dish truly pop, sprinkle plenty of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. Not only do they add delightful texture and a fresh bite, but they also elevate the dish’s visual appeal, making it look as delicious as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This General Tso Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or fried rice, which soak up every bit of the savory sauce. You can also serve it alongside steamed broccoli or snap peas for a vibrant and nutritious plate that balances crisp veggies with tender shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shrimp over a bed of crispy noodles or mix into a vibrant Asian-style salad for a fusion take. You could even turn it into flavorful lettuce wraps for a light, hand-held option. The versatility of this dish means you can get creative and adapt based on your mood or what’s in your pantry.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover General Tso Shrimp, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, so you can enjoy the rich flavors again without losing any of the dish’s charm.
Freezing
While fresh fried shrimp tastes best, you can freeze the shrimp and sauce separately. Freeze the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag, and store the sauce in a sealed container. Both can be kept frozen for up to 1 month, helping you save time for a quick meal later.
Reheating
To reheat without losing that crispiness, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add the sauce to the pan towards the end to refresh the glaze. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can make the shrimp soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this General Tso Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating and frying to maintain crispiness and proper cooking.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat that’s easily adjustable—add more if you like things fiery, or reduce for a milder sweet and spicy balance.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crunch, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the shrimp and bake on a greased sheet at 425°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss with the sauce.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, you can mix equal parts soy sauce and a small amount of honey or molasses with a dash of garlic powder to mimic the sweetness and depth.
Final Thoughts
This General Tso Shrimp Recipe is a total winner, bringing the classic bold flavors of General Tso’s into a light, seafood-forward dish that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or aiming to impress friends, it’s quick to make and bursting with flavor. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite shrimp dish!
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General Tso Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
General Tso Shrimp is a vibrant Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce made with soy, hoisin, and rice vinegar. This quick stovetop recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic finish.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, then evenly coat with cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove cooked shrimp and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Sauté aromatics: Remove all but about 1 teaspoon of oil from the skillet. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, and water. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet with garlic and ginger. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- Thicken the sauce: Cook the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring continuously until it thickens to a glossy glaze consistency.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the fried shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the thickened sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately, preferably over steamed white rice or fried rice.
Notes
- Serve over steamed white rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness level according to your preference.
- For crispier shrimp, ensure oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.
