I’m obsessed with the General Tso Shrimp recipe. That crispy shrimp, the glossy sauce with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy…it’s the takeout order I crave most often.
But lately, I’ve realized something: the best General Tso’s Shrimp happens in my kitchen! Turns out, it’s incredibly easy to make, and with a bit of practice, you can beat any takeout joint. Let’s dive in!
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Key Takeaways
- General Tso’s Shrimp is a wildly popular Chinese-American dish with a fascinating, though debated, history.
- Making an awesome version at home is easier than you might think!
- The key is a crispy shrimp and a perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and spicy sauce.
What is General Tso’s Shrimp?
This dish is a symphony in a bowl! Think jumbo shrimp, flash-fried to crispy perfection, coated in a sticky, tangy, seriously addictive sauce. Often, you’ll find vibrantly colored veggies in the mix, like broccoli or bell peppers, for a bit of crunch. Its flavors are bold and hit all the right notes on your taste buds.
While the origins of General Tso’s Shrimp are a bit fuzzy, there’s one thing everyone agrees on – it’s delicious!
General Tso Shrimp recipe Ingredients
One of the best things about this dish is how customizable it is. But, let’s cover the essentials first:
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | Large or jumbo (16-20 count), peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen works! |
| Batter | Cornstarch and egg for a light, crispy coating |
| Sauce | Soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, dried chilies |
| Vegetables (optional) | Broccoli, bell peppers, or experiment with your favorites! |
How to Make General Tso Shrimp Recipe: Step-by-Step
Get ready, because we’re about to embark on the tastiest quest ever. Making General Tso’s Shrimp is surprisingly simple, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way!
Step 1: Shrimp Prep
First things first: the shrimp! Aim for about a pound of large or jumbo shrimp. Fresh is fantastic, but frozen works just fine as long as they’re thawed and patted dry. Now, we devein those little guys (that dark line down their backs) and get them ready for their batter bath. For extra-crispy shrimp, consider butterflying: slice them down the back so they flatten out nicely.
Step 2: Batter Up!
Simple is best here. Whisk together an egg and about ½ cup of cornstarch until smooth. Give your shrimp a dip, and make sure they’re evenly coated in that light, airy batter. This is their armor for achieving crispy perfection.
Step 3: The Sauce – Where the Flavor Begins
This sauce is the heart and soul of General Tso’s! In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free kick)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar (brown or white works!)
- 1 minced garlic clove
- About 1 inch of grated ginger
- A pinch (or more!) of dried red chili flakes
Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method
Time to cook that shrimp! Here are your top options:
- Deep Frying: The classic! Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F for batches of golden-brown shrimp (around 2-3 minutes per batch).
- Shallow Frying: Less oil, same deliciousness. Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet and cook the shrimp for a few minutes per side.
- Baking: A lighter option! Toss those battered shrimp with a bit of oil and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5 (Optional): Aromatics for the Win
Want an extra layer of tasty complexity? Before your sauce goes in, take a minute to sauté a bit of extra minced garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a hot pan. A minute or two will unleash their incredible aroma!
Step 6: The Grand Finale
The moment of truth! In your pan (with those aromatics if you added them), pour in your whisked sauce. Heat over medium, stirring constantly. It’ll thicken in about a minute, becoming glossy and gorgeous. Now, toss in your cooked shrimp! Let them dance in that sauce until they’re coated in glistening goodness.
Step 7 (Optional): Get Your Veggies On
Broccoli and bell peppers are General Tso’s besties. Steam or stir-fry them separately until crisp-tender, and then toss them right into the pan at the end.
Tips for the Best General Tso Shrimp Recipe
Let’s take your General Tso’s to the next level:
- Hot Oil is Key: Frying is all about the right temperature. Make sure your oil is hot (around 350°F) before adding the shrimp.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Work in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Sauce Tweaks: Taste your sauce as it thickens and adjust sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess to your liking.
- Serve it Up! Steamed rice is the perfect bed for your General Tso’s masterpiece. Or, try noodles for a fun twist!
History of General Tso Shrimp Recipe
Here’s where things get interesting. Unlike ancient Chinese dishes, General Tso’s Shrimp is surprisingly young. It lacks any connection to the real General Tso, a 19th-century Chinese military leader.
Most food historians believe the dish was invented in the US, likely in New York City, during the Chinese food boom of the 1970s. Despite its murky past, it’s become a symbol of the rich and complex world of American Chinese cuisine.
General Tso Shrimp Recipe Variations
The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is. Let’s explore some tasty twists:
- General Tso’s Chicken: If you’re a chicken lover, this is your jam! Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, and follow the same delicious process as our shrimp version.
- Tofu Tso: Going vegetarian? Firm tofu makes a fantastic substitute. Just press it to remove excess moisture, cut it into cubes, toss it in cornstarch, and fry it until golden and crispy. Delicious!
- Spice It Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of dried chilies or red pepper flakes to control the heat. Love it mild? Leave them out. Crave a burn? Crank it up!
General Tso Shrimp recipe Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t let these small mishaps sabotage your General Tso’s dreams:
- Overcooked Shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast! Keep an eye on it to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Soggy Batter: Use a light hand when coating the shrimp. Too much batter gets clumpy.
- Weak Sauce Flavor: If your sauce tastes bland, give it a power boost! A splash of more soy sauce, a bit of extra sugar, or a squeeze of fresh ginger can do wonders.
- Storage Woes: Leftovers are great, but reheat gently to avoid tough shrimp. A low oven or quick stir-fry is best.
General Tso Shrimp recipe FAQs
Is General Tso Shrimp recipe authentic Chinese food?
Not truly. While inspired by flavors from Hunan cuisine, it was likely invented and popularized in America. It’s a delicious example of Chinese-American culinary fusion.
How spicy is General Tso’s Shrimp?
The spice level varies! Most restaurants offer mild to medium heat, but you can easily control the spice when making it at home.
Can I make General Tso’s Shrimp ahead of time?
You can prep components in advance. But for the best texture, it’s ideal to fry the shrimp and combine everything just before serving.
What is the best way to reheat General Tso’s Shrimp?
Avoid the microwave! For the crispiest results, reheat leftovers in a low oven or with a quick stir-fry over medium heat.
Is General Tso’s Shrimp healthy?
Due to the frying and sugary sauce, it’s more of a “treat yourself” meal. Opting for baked shrimp and adjusting the sauce’s sweetness can make it a bit more balanced.
Is General Tso’s Shrimp gluten-free?
Traditional versions aren’t. However, swapping the soy sauce for tamari and using gluten-free cornstarch makes it possible!
Can I use frozen shrimp for General Tso’s Shrimp?
Definitely! Just be sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating them with batter. Frozen shrimp may release a bit more moisture when cooking, so be mindful of your oil’s temperature.
What are some good side dishes for General Tso’s Shrimp?
Steamed white or brown rice is the classic pairing. But get creative! Fried rice, lo mein noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or even a simple green salad with sesame dressing make delicious accompaniments.
General Tso Shrimp Recipe Conclusion
General Tso Shrimp recipe is a testament to the deliciousness that happens when culinary cultures collide. Whether you’re recreating your favorite takeout order or exploring variations, there’s endless enjoyment to be had.
With a little know-how and fresh ingredients, you can conquer this iconic dish. So, fire up that wok (or frying pan), channel your inner chef, and get ready for a General Tso’s Shrimp experience that will leave you utterly satisfied.
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