General Tso's Shrimp
Crispy fried shrimp tossed in a glossy, tangy, and sweet sauce with a gentle kick of spice. This popular Chinese-American takeout classic is surprisingly easy to make at home and is perfect served over a bed of fluffy white rice.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Marinade and Sauce
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tbsp soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and white pepper. Toss to coat and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
- c.In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tbsp soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil. This is your General Tso's sauce.
- d.In a third small bowl, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to create a slurry. Set aside for later.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Shrimp
- b.Place 1 cup (16 tbsp) of cornstarch in a shallow dish. Dredge each marinated shrimp in the cornstarch, pressing gently to ensure it's fully coated, then shake off any excess.
- c.Heat 3 cups of vegetable oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- d.Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per batch, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- e.Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Glaze and Assemble
- b.Carefully pour out the hot frying oil into a heatproof container, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon of oil in the wok.
- c.Place the wok back over medium-high heat. Add the minced ginger, minced garlic, and whole dried red chilies. Stir-fry for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- d.Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok and bring it to a vigorous simmer.
- e.Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir to recombine it, then pour it into the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- f.Immediately add the crispy fried shrimp to the wok. Toss quickly and gently to coat all the shrimp evenly in the sauce.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the wok from the heat. Transfer the General Tso's Shrimp to a serving platter.
- c.Garnish with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
- d.Serve immediately with steamed rice and a side of steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest shrimp, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (350°F / 175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan when frying. This lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy, greasy shrimp. Fry in at least two batches.
- 3Prepare all your ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking. The stir-frying process is very fast.
- 4For an extra crispy texture, you can double-fry the shrimp. Fry once for 2 minutes, remove, and then fry again for 1 minute just before tossing in the sauce.
- 5Adjust the number of dried red chilies to control the spice level. For a milder dish, use fewer or remove them before serving.
- 6Toss the shrimp in the sauce right before you plan to eat to maintain maximum crispiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with chicken. Cut 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs into 1-inch cubes and follow the same instructions.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
For a more complete one-pan meal, add steamed or blanched broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or onions to the wok along with the shrimp when tossing with the sauce.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the heat by adding a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce (like Sambal Oelek) to the sauce mixture or by adding more dried red chilies.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
Substitute the shrimp with firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes, or with cauliflower florets. You may need to adjust frying times accordingly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Shrimp is a lean source of high-quality protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting muscle mass.
Rich in Selenium
Shrimp provides a significant amount of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports thyroid function, and boosts the immune system.
Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Key ingredients like ginger and garlic are well-known for their natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, which can contribute to overall health and wellness.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this General Tso's Shrimp contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the exact amount of oil absorbed during frying. This estimate does not include side dishes like rice.