Print

General Tso Shrimp Recipe

4 from 34 reviews

General Tso Shrimp is a flavorful and spicy Asian-inspired dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and bold flavors perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 cup cornstarch

Sauce and Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Adjust to taste)

Garnish

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season the shrimp lightly with salt to enhance their flavor.
  2. Coating the Shrimp: Pour the cornstarch into a shallow dish. Coat each shrimp evenly with cornstarch, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin, crisp crust when fried.
  3. Heating the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. This prepares the shrimp for frying to achieve a golden crust.
  4. Frying the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer into the hot oil, frying them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Sautéing Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
  6. Preparing the Sauce: Stir in the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to combine the flavors.
  7. Coating Shrimp with Sauce: Return the fried shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until they are evenly coated and heated through, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Serving: Plate the General Tso Shrimp and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a delicious presentation and added texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy crust on the shrimp.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying; cook shrimp in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness.
  • Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: General Tso Shrimp, fried shrimp, spicy shrimp, Asian shrimp recipe, crispy shrimp, sweet and spicy shrimp