General Tso Shrimp Recipe

If you are craving that perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors wrapped in a crispy, tender bite, you absolutely need to dive into this General Tso Shrimp Recipe. It takes the beloved essence of the classic General Tso’s chicken and elevates it with succulent shrimp, creating a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and irresistible textures. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this recipe offers a scrumptious escape to your favorite takeout vibe — right from your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this General Tso Shrimp Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the crisp coating on the shrimp to the luscious, sticky sauce that lights up your palate.

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed): Use fresh or thawed shrimp for a juicy, tender bite.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch: Helps create that iconic crispy crust that holds the sauce beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the dredging mix for perfect frying results.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors while seasoning the coating.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle background kick.
• 2 eggs (beaten): Acts as the perfect adhesive for the coating to cling to the shrimp.
• Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for golden, crispy shrimp.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a fragrant nuttiness when sautéing the aromatics.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a punch of savory depth in the sauce base.
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated): Brings bright, zesty warmth that wakes up the dish.
• 2 green onions (sliced, divided): Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion crunch.
• For the sauce: A blend of 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) creates the signature sweet-spicy glaze.

How to Make General Tso Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by whisking together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, water, and red pepper flakes in a bowl until perfectly smooth. This sauce is what brings that sticky-sweet balance you’re chasing — so get it ready and set aside while you tackle the shrimp.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Dip each shrimp first into the beaten eggs, making sure they are fully coated, then dredge them in the flour mixture. This double-layer technique ensures the shrimp fry up delightfully crispy, ready to hold all that luscious sauce.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

Pour about one inch of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering. Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and irresistible. Drain them on paper towels so that your sauce won’t get diluted and retains its perfect clinginess.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

In a clean skillet or wok, warm the sesame oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and half of the sliced green onions. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant and aromatic, setting the stage for your sauce to come alive.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Toss

Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it straight into your skillet. Stir constantly as it thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes, until it reaches a glossy, rich consistency. Then, add the crispy fried shrimp back into the pan, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly in that sticky, indulgent sauce.

How to Serve General Tso Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Adding the remaining fresh sliced green onions on top gives the dish a crisp burst of freshness and a pop of color that makes each bite more exciting. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds to enhance the nuttiness and add a slight crunch.

Side Dishes

The classic way to enjoy General Tso Shrimp Recipe is over steamed white or jasmine rice, which perfectly soaks up the flavorful sauce and balances the rich shrimp. Alternatively, serve it alongside stir-fried noodles or crisp steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for an extra layer of texture and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn this dish into a fun lettuce wrap meal? The crispy shrimp and sauce wrapped in cool, crunchy lettuce leaves creates an exciting textural contrast and a lighter dining experience. Or, scatter chopped roasted peanuts and thinly sliced fresh chili on top for a lively, restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, store leftover General Tso Shrimp Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays tasty for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh to retain its crunch and vibrant flavors.

Freezing

Although shrimp can sometimes become rubbery when frozen and thawed, you can freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked or pre-cooked shrimp for the best texture.

Reheating

To keep your leftover shrimp crispy, reheat them in a hot skillet or oven rather than a microwave. Gently warm the sauce in a pan, then add the shrimp just long enough to heat through. This method ensures the shrimp stay tender and that irresistible coating stays intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for the General Tso Shrimp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating and frying. Removing excess moisture is key to getting that perfect crispiness.

Is this dish very spicy?

The level of spice is gentle and customizable. The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them to suit your heat preference without losing the signature flavor balance.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce. These simple swaps keep the flavor intact while making the dish gluten-friendly.

What’s the best way to keep shrimp from becoming tough?

Avoid overcooking: frying each side just 2-3 minutes keeps shrimp tender and juicy. Also, don’t overcrowd your pan to maintain consistent oil temperature for even cooking.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp to save time?

Definitely. Skip the frying, and simply toss pre-cooked shrimp in the thickened sauce just to warm them through. It’s an easy shortcut that still delivers great flavor.

Final Thoughts

Trying out this General Tso Shrimp Recipe will quickly become one of your best kitchen victories for a deliciously satisfying meal. With its perfect harmony of crispy shrimp and bold, tangy sauce, it’s a flavorful crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for any day but special enough to savor. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this wonderful twist on a classic — you won’t regret it!

General Tso Shrimp Recipe

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3.9 from 24 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

This General Tso Shrimp recipe offers a deliciously crispy and tangy take on the classic takeout favorite. Large shrimp are coated in a light and crunchy batter, fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of sesame oil. Perfect served over steamed rice or noodles, it makes for a quick and satisfying Asian-inspired main course that’s bursting with flavor.

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Ingredients

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Shrimp and Battering Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional Flavorings

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 green onions (sliced, divided)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, water, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Set the sauce mixture aside to allow flavors to meld.
2. Coat the shrimp: In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs to fully coat, then dredge them in the flour mixture until evenly coated for a crisp crust.
3. Fry the shrimp: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove shrimp and drain on paper towel-lined plates to remove excess oil.
4. Sauté aromatics: In a clean skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and half of the sliced green onions; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
5. Cook the sauce: Stir the prepared sauce again to ensure the cornstarch is incorporated, then pour it into the skillet with the aromatics. Cook while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Toss shrimp in sauce: Add the fried shrimp to the skillet and toss carefully to coat each piece evenly with the thickened sauce.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining green onions over the shrimp and serve immediately, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• To save time, use pre-cooked shrimp and skip the frying step by heating them directly in the sauce.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
• Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during frying to keep them tender and juicy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired