Name: General Tso Shrimp
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Shrimp; 1 cup All-purpose flour; 0.5 cup Cornstarch; 2 tbsp Soy sauce; 2 tbsp Rice vinegar; 4 tbsp Sugar; 2 tbsp Ginger, minced; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 tbsp Vegetable oil

Okay, picture this: I’m if it’s Friday night, you’re craving Chinese food, but the thought of another soggy, lukewarm delivery is mind blowing. What is the order that makes you cringe? What’s your favorite General Tso Shrimp recipe? Is it as good as your favorite restaurant version, but fresher, tastier, and more flavorful? What’s going into it? Is General Tso’s chicken and crispy fried shrimp the same? Is it even better? What are some of the best shrimp in the world? What are some of the best ways to make a crowd-pleaser for your friends?

What is General Tso Shrimp?

General Tso Shrimp is a delightful twist on tsu classic. What is essentially crispy, golden-brown shrimp tossed in that iconic General Tso’s sauce? The sauce itself is a beautiful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy – seriously seriously. Is the dish named after General Tso? Hunanese cuisine. It’s a totally Americanized creation, but hey, we’re not complaining! If you’re in the mood for a shrimp dish, this is it for you. Is this a scam?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even start? The flavor is honestly out of this world. You get that initial sweetness that melts into a savory umami explosion, finished with a gentle kick of heat that leaves you wanting more. What I love most about this General Tso Shrimp recipe is how incredibly easy it is. Seriously, don’t let the name intimidate you – it’s way easier than ordering takeout! Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. Shrimp is often cheaper than getting a good cut of chicken, and you probably have most of the sauce ingredients already in your pantry. And let’s talk versatility: you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even just enjoy it as an appetizer. Honestly, it’s amazing no matter how you eat it. It reminds me a little of sweet and sour shrimp, but with a much more complex and exciting flavor profile. I think this recipe is superior because the sauce clings to the shrimp perfectly, and the crispy coating stays crispy, even after being tossed in the sauce! No soggy shrimp here.

How do I make General Tso Shrimp?

Quick Overview

How do I make General Tso Shrimp? How do you make a simple shrimp batter? What are some ways to fry shrimp until golden brown and crispy? While the shrimp are frying, you’ll whisk together the General Tso sauce on the stovetop. What’s the best way to serve crispy shrimp with a creamy sauce? What is the secret to crispy shrimp? I’ll walk you through the process!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp: What is the
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I prefer to leave the tails on for presentation! ) * 1/2 cup cornstarch * 1/4 cup all-purpose flour * 1 teaspoon baking powder *1/2 teaspoon salt * *1 teaspoon sugar *0 % sugar**1 tablespoon baking soda *2 teaspoons sugar**1 cup flour*3 cups corn starch*4 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon black pepper * 1 large egg, lightly beaten * 1/4 cup water * Vegetable oil, for frying. Canola or peanut oil also work well)

For the General Tso Sauce:
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is best, so you can control the saltiness) * 1/2 cup rice vinegar * 1/4 cup granulated sugar (you can adjust this to your taste) (this gives it that classic tangy flavor) What’s your favorite hoisin sauce recipe? * 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) * 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon cornstarch. * 1 teaspoon ginger, minced * 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice). If you don’t like heat, you can omit it altogether.

Optional Garnish
* Sesame seeds
* Chopped green onions

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

First, make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. How do I get a crispy coating? I like to leave the tails on because I think it makes them look fancier, but that’s totally ok. Set the shrimp aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside. What is the baking powder for?

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients to Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Set aside. Then, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. What are some of the best lumps to avoid overmixing? If you overmix the flour, the gluten will develop, resulting in a tougher batter.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

How do you dip a shrimp into the batter? Let any excess batter drip off before carefully placing the shrimp into the hot oil.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

How do I heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat? When you drop a small piece of batter into the oil, it sizzles immediately. When the shrimp are done, add the battered shrimp to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Make the General Tso Sauce

While the shrimp are frying, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and corn starch. Set aside.

Step 7: Cook the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth, garlic, and ginger over medium heat. Set aside. Bring to a boil and then add the soy sauce mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 8: Toss and Serve

Once the shrimp are fried, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and serve. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. If you’re going to serve shrimp with the sauce, toss it in a bowl and serve immediately. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Serve immediately and enjoy every last bite. What is the best way to enjoy General Tso Shrimp?

What should I serve it with?

What are some of my favorite ways to serve General Tso Shrimp?

Over Rice:What is the best steamed white rice? What are some of the best recipes for coconut rice?

With Noodles:What is the best combination of Lo Mein and Chow mein noodles? For a lighter option, try zucchini noodles or Sweet Potato noodles.

As an Appetizer: AsServe shrimp on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. Is it perfect for a game night?

What is the best way to serve stirWhat are some of the best ways to add veggies to a meal? What are some good substitutes for broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas?

I always serve this with steamed broccoli, it adds a nice bit of color and freshness to any dish. I like to make homemade egg rolls. I can’t wait to try them. Is it a feast?

How can I perfect my general tso shrimp?

Okay, I’ve made this General Tso Shrimp recipe *a lot* of times, so I have learned a few tricks along the way.

Shrimp Prep:Make sure your shrimp are completely dry before battering them. What is the best way to make a batter stick better? I like to pat them dry with paper towels and then let them sit in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Why does it dry out even more?

Batter ConsistencyDo not overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay. If you overmix the flour, the gluten will develop, resulting in a tougher batter. You want a light and airy batter for maximum crispiness.

Oil Temperature:If the oil temperature is too cold, the shrimp will be greasy. If it’s too hot, the batter will burn before the shrimp is cooked through. Aim for around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to be precise!

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Do Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.

Sauce Thickness: If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, add a little more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). If it’s too thick, add a little more chicken broth.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you don’t like heat, omit them altogether. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for an extra kick.

Serving Time: Serve the shrimp immediately after tossing them in the sauce. This will ensure that they stay crispy. If they sit for too long, they’ll start to get soggy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Okay, let’s be real, there’s rarely any leftover General Tso Shrimp in my house. But if you do happen to have some, here’s how to store it:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the shrimp will lose some of its crispiness as it sits.

Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat the shrimp is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Freezing Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing the shrimp after it’s been tossed in the sauce, as it will get very soggy. If you want to freeze it, freeze the fried shrimp separately *before* tossing it in the sauce. Store the fried shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed above. Make a fresh batch of sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Sauce Storage: If you happen to have leftover sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before battering them.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the batter with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Also, double-check your soy sauce and hoisin sauce to ensure they are gluten-free (tamari is a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce).

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying it?

While frying gives the best texture, you can bake the shrimp. Place the battered shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. They won’t be *quite* as crispy as fried shrimp, but it’s still a delicious and healthier option.

Can I make this spicier?

Definitely! Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter. You can also add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.

What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of peanut butter.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: my go-to recipe for General Tso Shrimp that’s guaranteed to be a hit! It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, and it’s so much better than takeout. Seriously, once you try this, you’ll never order Chinese food again! If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my other Asian-inspired dishes, like sesame chicken or sweet and sour pork. Happy cooking! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Share your photos of your General Tso Shrimp creations too – I’d love to see them!