If you have ever craved a dish that bursts with bold, balanced flavors combining sweet, tangy, and a hint of heat, then you are in for a real treat with General Tso Shrimp: An Incredible Sweet and Savory Asian Sensation Recipe. This dish takes succulent shrimp coated in a delicate cornstarch crust, frying them to golden perfection before enveloping them in a luscious sauce that perfectly marries hoisin, soy, and brown sugar, with whispers of ginger and garlic that keep you coming back for more. It is the perfect family dinner or a restaurant-worthy meal to impress your friends, packed with vibrant flavors and that incomparable Asian takeout appeal, but made entirely from scratch in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this irresistible General Tso Shrimp is easier than you might think. The ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each adding a splash of flavor, texture, or color that makes this dish sing. From the fresh shrimp to the silky hoisin sauce, every component plays its role beautifully.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show, providing juicy, tender bites.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Creates the perfect light crust for that signature crispiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild peppery kick balanced by sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For frying the shrimp until golden and crisp.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Lends a zesty, slightly peppery note.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just the right hint of heat; adjust to taste.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The backbone of umami flavor.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Gives a subtle tang that brightens the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds sweetness and depth in color and taste.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances heat and acidity with a caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps loosen the sauce for perfect glazing.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for slurry): Thickens the sauce to velvety goodness.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green color.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Provides a subtle crunch and nutty aroma.
- Cooked white rice for serving: The perfect bed to soak up all the amazing sauce.
How to Make General Tso Shrimp: An Incredible Sweet and Savory Asian Sensation Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Shrimp
Start by tossing the shrimp with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This simple coating forms a delicate crust that crisps up beautifully when cooked, locking in moisture and creating a satisfying texture you’ll love.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Lay the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps keep the shrimp crispy instead of steaming them. Remove the shrimp and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell that fragrant burst of flavor—this combination is what brings that signature Asian sensation alive.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and water in a small bowl. Pour this vibrant mixture into the pan and bring to a gentle simmer. In a separate small dish, stir the teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water until smooth to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce.
Step 5: Thicken and Toss
Let the sauce bubble away for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens to a glossy glaze. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss everything together until each piece is generously coated in that sticky, sweet, salty, and spicy sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for an eye-catching and flavorful finish. Serve immediately over steamed white rice to soak up every last drop of sauce.
How to Serve General Tso Shrimp: An Incredible Sweet and Savory Asian Sensation Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions add a crisp freshness and bright color to the finished dish, while sesame seeds offer a subtle nutty crunch that elevates the texture. Feel free to add extra chili flakes if you want a spicier kick or a wedge of lime for a citrusy twist.
Side Dishes
Serve this General Tso Shrimp alongside simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice to let the sauce shine. For added vegetables, try sautéed bok choy, snap peas, or a crunchy cucumber salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp in lettuce cups with a drizzle of sauce and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. You can also toss the General Tso Shrimp into crunchy noodles for an irresistible salad or serve it with fried rice for a complete one-pan meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover General Tso Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp will keep their flavor, but the texture may become a bit softer, so enjoy promptly for the best experience.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, cool the shrimp completely and place them in a freezer-safe container separated from the sauce. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water or broth as needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it briefly, but be careful to avoid turning the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and make sure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is it possible to use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating and cooking to ensure they crisp up well and don’t release excess moisture.
How can I adjust the spice level?
The crushed red pepper flakes add heat, so you can easily reduce or increase them to your preference. For no spice, simply omit them, or add more for a fiery punch.
Can I substitute the shrimp with other proteins?
Definitely! This sauce works wonderfully with chicken, tofu, or even vegetables like cauliflower florets. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What’s the best way to get crispy shrimp without deep frying?
Pan-frying the shrimp in a hot skillet with enough oil so they sizzle helps achieve that crisp exterior. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and flip the shrimp gently to keep the coating intact.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish bursting with irresistible flavors that blend sweet, savory, spice, and tang in every bite, then you can’t go wrong with General Tso Shrimp: An Incredible Sweet and Savory Asian Sensation Recipe. It’s simple to make at home but tastes like an indulgent takeout favorite. So go ahead, gather those fresh ingredients, and whip up this vibrant dish for a dinner that will truly wow everyone gathered around your table.
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General Tso Shrimp: An Incredible Sweet and Savory Asian Sensation Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
General Tso Shrimp is an incredible sweet and savory Asian sensation that features crispy shrimp coated in a flavorful, tangy, and spicy sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes for just the right amount of kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, delivering all the deliciousness of your favorite Chinese takeout right at home.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for slurry)
Garnish and Serving
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until they are evenly coated. This will give the shrimp a light crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the mixture becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the sautéed aromatics and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Create a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the thickened sauce. Heat through for about a minute more, then remove from heat.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds over the shrimp. Serve the General Tso Shrimp hot over cooked white rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- For a crispier texture, cook the shrimp in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan, allowing each piece adequate space to fry properly.
- This recipe also works well with alternatives like chicken or tofu for a delicious variation.
