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General Tso’s Shrimp Better Than Takeout Delight

by on September 5, 2025
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Craving something delightful that beats takeout? You’re in for a treat! In this blog, I’ll show you how to make General Tso’s Shrimp that’s bursting with flavor and far better than any restaurant version. With fresh shrimp, vibrant veggies, and a zingy sauce, this dish will impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking steps that will turn your kitchen into a gourmet Chinese eatery!

- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil - Fresh ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes - Cornstarch and salt for marinating - Jasmine rice for serving - Green onions for garnish When I make General Tso’s shrimp, I choose large shrimp. They cook fast and have great flavor. I also like to add colorful veggies like broccoli and red bell pepper. They add crunch and nutrition. For the sauce, I use soy sauce and hoisin sauce. These sauces bring out the umami in the shrimp. Rice vinegar adds a bit of tang, while sesame oil gives it a nutty flavor. Fresh ginger and garlic make the dish aromatic. I add red pepper flakes for a kick, but you can adjust this to your taste. Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce and gives the shrimp a nice coating. I serve this dish over fluffy jasmine rice. It soaks up the sauce well. I like to top it with sliced green onions for a fresh finish. This dish is not only tasty but also looks great on the plate! - Combine shrimp with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a sprinkle of salt. - Set aside for 15 minutes. This step makes the shrimp tender and flavorful. - Mix the remaining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. - This sauce adds a rich, sweet, and spicy flavor to the dish. - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of sesame oil. - Stir-fry 1 cup of broccoli florets and 1 red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes. - Set aside once they are slightly tender but still crisp. - In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. - Once they turn pink and opaque, add 3 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. - Pour in the prepared sauce and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. - Toss the shrimp and vegetables together until well-coated and heated through. - Serve the General Tso’s shrimp over cooked jasmine rice. - Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. To get the best shrimp, choose large, fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp with a clean smell and a firm texture. When you get home, peel and devein them if needed. Marinate shrimp with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This helps them soak in the flavors and stay juicy. Cook shrimp in a hot skillet. This locks in moisture. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. If you overcook them, they can become rubbery. Keep an eye on them for the best results. To adjust the heat in your sauce, add red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and taste. You can always add more if you like it spicy. If you want a sweeter touch, add a bit of honey or brown sugar. For a tangy note, a splash of lime juice works wonders. Try adding other ingredients too. Pineapple chunks add sweetness. Bell peppers and carrots can add color and crunch. Feel free to experiment and find what you love! For a great-looking dish, use a bright plate. The colors of the shrimp and veggies will pop. Serve on a bed of jasmine rice for a nice contrast. When serving, sprinkle extra red pepper flakes and sliced green onions on top. This adds color and makes the dish look fresh and inviting. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro for a fragrant touch. Small bowls of extra sauce can encourage sharing and enhance the meal experience. {{image_2}} You can switch up the veggies in General Tso's shrimp. Try using snap peas or mushrooms. You can also add carrots or zucchini. Seasonal vegetables work great too. For spring, think about asparagus. In fall, add butternut squash. Just chop them small to match the shrimp's size. This keeps every bite balanced. If you want to change the protein, chicken or tofu can work well. For chicken, cut it into small pieces. Cook it a bit longer than shrimp. For tofu, press it first to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes and cook until brown. Adjust the cooking time so each protein cooks evenly. You can make this dish gluten-free easily. Swap regular soy sauce for tamari. Also, check the hoisin sauce for gluten. For vegetarian options, use tofu instead of shrimp. You can still enjoy all the great flavors. Just keep the sauce and veggies the same. To keep your General Tso’s shrimp fresh, follow these steps: - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Use a shallow container for quicker cooling. - Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. - For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag. Using glass containers helps avoid stains and odors. Always label the containers with the date. This way, you know how long they’ve been stored. When reheating, keep the shrimp’s texture in mind. Here are some tips: - Use a skillet over medium heat for best results. - Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. - Heat until warmed through but do not overcook. Microwaving is quick, but it can make the shrimp rubbery. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir often. How long can your dish last? Here’s the breakdown: - In the fridge, General Tso’s shrimp lasts about 3 days. - In the freezer, it can last up to 2 months. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level. Start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you want more heat, add more flakes. You can also add sliced fresh chili peppers. Just remember, it’s easier to add spice than to take it away. This dish pairs well with jasmine rice. You can also serve it with steamed rice or fried rice. For a fresh touch, add a side of cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. They will balance the flavors and add crunch. Look for shrimp that turn pink and opaque. They should curl slightly when cooked. If they feel firm to the touch, they are done. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them! Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just thaw them first. You can place them in cold water for quick thawing. Make sure to drain and pat them dry before using. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and absorb the flavors well. General Tso’s Shrimp combines shrimp, veggies, and a tasty sauce. We covered marinating, cooking, and serving. You can customize with different proteins and veggies. Store leftovers properly for best taste. Now, enjoy making this dish your own. With these tips, you’ll impress family and friends. Happy cooking!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for General Tso’s Shrimp

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 1 cup broccoli florets

– 1 red bell pepper, sliced

Sauces and Seasonings

– Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil

– Fresh ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes

– Cornstarch and salt for marinating

Serving Suggestions

– Jasmine rice for serving

– Green onions for garnish

When I make General Tso’s shrimp, I choose large shrimp. They cook fast and have great flavor. I also like to add colorful veggies like broccoli and red bell pepper. They add crunch and nutrition.

For the sauce, I use soy sauce and hoisin sauce. These sauces bring out the umami in the shrimp. Rice vinegar adds a bit of tang, while sesame oil gives it a nutty flavor. Fresh ginger and garlic make the dish aromatic. I add red pepper flakes for a kick, but you can adjust this to your taste. Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce and gives the shrimp a nice coating.

I serve this dish over fluffy jasmine rice. It soaks up the sauce well. I like to top it with sliced green onions for a fresh finish. This dish is not only tasty but also looks great on the plate!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Shrimp

– Combine shrimp with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a sprinkle of salt.

– Set aside for 15 minutes. This step makes the shrimp tender and flavorful.

Preparing the Sauce

– Mix the remaining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.

– This sauce adds a rich, sweet, and spicy flavor to the dish.

Cooking the Vegetables

– Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of sesame oil.

– Stir-fry 1 cup of broccoli florets and 1 red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes.

– Set aside once they are slightly tender but still crisp.

Cooking the Shrimp

– In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side.

– Once they turn pink and opaque, add 3 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Combining Everything

– Pour in the prepared sauce and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

– Toss the shrimp and vegetables together until well-coated and heated through.

Serving the Dish

– Serve the General Tso’s shrimp over cooked jasmine rice.

– Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Perfect Shrimp

To get the best shrimp, choose large, fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp with a clean smell and a firm texture. When you get home, peel and devein them if needed. Marinate shrimp with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This helps them soak in the flavors and stay juicy.

Cook shrimp in a hot skillet. This locks in moisture. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. If you overcook them, they can become rubbery. Keep an eye on them for the best results.

Enhancing the Sauce Flavor

To adjust the heat in your sauce, add red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and taste. You can always add more if you like it spicy. If you want a sweeter touch, add a bit of honey or brown sugar. For a tangy note, a splash of lime juice works wonders.

Try adding other ingredients too. Pineapple chunks add sweetness. Bell peppers and carrots can add color and crunch. Feel free to experiment and find what you love!

Presentation Ideas

For a great-looking dish, use a bright plate. The colors of the shrimp and veggies will pop. Serve on a bed of jasmine rice for a nice contrast. When serving, sprinkle extra red pepper flakes and sliced green onions on top. This adds color and makes the dish look fresh and inviting.

You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro for a fragrant touch. Small bowls of extra sauce can encourage sharing and enhance the meal experience.

Variations

Vegetable Alternatives

You can switch up the veggies in General Tso’s shrimp. Try using snap peas or mushrooms. You can also add carrots or zucchini. Seasonal vegetables work great too. For spring, think about asparagus. In fall, add butternut squash. Just chop them small to match the shrimp’s size. This keeps every bite balanced.

Protein Alternatives

If you want to change the protein, chicken or tofu can work well. For chicken, cut it into small pieces. Cook it a bit longer than shrimp. For tofu, press it first to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes and cook until brown. Adjust the cooking time so each protein cooks evenly.

Dietary Adjustments

You can make this dish gluten-free easily. Swap regular soy sauce for tamari. Also, check the hoisin sauce for gluten. For vegetarian options, use tofu instead of shrimp. You can still enjoy all the great flavors. Just keep the sauce and veggies the same.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your General Tso’s shrimp fresh, follow these steps:

– Place leftovers in an airtight container.

– Use a shallow container for quicker cooling.

– Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.

– For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag.

Using glass containers helps avoid stains and odors. Always label the containers with the date. This way, you know how long they’ve been stored.

Reheating Guidelines

When reheating, keep the shrimp’s texture in mind. Here are some tips:

– Use a skillet over medium heat for best results.

– Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.

– Heat until warmed through but do not overcook.

Microwaving is quick, but it can make the shrimp rubbery. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir often.

Shelf Life

How long can your dish last? Here’s the breakdown:

– In the fridge, General Tso’s shrimp lasts about 3 days.

– In the freezer, it can last up to 2 months.

Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it.

FAQs

Can I make General Tso’s Shrimp spicy?

Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level. Start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you want more heat, add more flakes. You can also add sliced fresh chili peppers. Just remember, it’s easier to add spice than to take it away.

What can I serve with General Tso’s Shrimp?

This dish pairs well with jasmine rice. You can also serve it with steamed rice or fried rice. For a fresh touch, add a side of cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. They will balance the flavors and add crunch.

How do I know when the shrimp is done cooking?

Look for shrimp that turn pink and opaque. They should curl slightly when cooked. If they feel firm to the touch, they are done. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them!

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just thaw them first. You can place them in cold water for quick thawing. Make sure to drain and pat them dry before using. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and absorb the flavors well.

General Tso’s Shrimp combines shrimp, veggies, and a tasty sauce. We covered marinating, cooking, and serving. You can customize with different proteins and veggies. Store leftovers properly for best taste.

Now, enjoy making this dish your own. With these tips, you’ll impress family and friends. Happy cooking!

- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil - Fresh ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes - Cornstarch and salt for marinating - Jasmine rice for serving - Green onions for garnish When I make General Tso’s shrimp, I choose large shrimp. They cook fast and have great flavor. I also like to add colorful veggies like broccoli and red bell pepper. They add crunch and nutrition. For the sauce, I use soy sauce and hoisin sauce. These sauces bring out the umami in the shrimp. Rice vinegar adds a bit of tang, while sesame oil gives it a nutty flavor. Fresh ginger and garlic make the dish aromatic. I add red pepper flakes for a kick, but you can adjust this to your taste. Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce and gives the shrimp a nice coating. I serve this dish over fluffy jasmine rice. It soaks up the sauce well. I like to top it with sliced green onions for a fresh finish. This dish is not only tasty but also looks great on the plate! - Combine shrimp with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a sprinkle of salt. - Set aside for 15 minutes. This step makes the shrimp tender and flavorful. - Mix the remaining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. - This sauce adds a rich, sweet, and spicy flavor to the dish. - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of sesame oil. - Stir-fry 1 cup of broccoli florets and 1 red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes. - Set aside once they are slightly tender but still crisp. - In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. - Once they turn pink and opaque, add 3 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. - Pour in the prepared sauce and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. - Toss the shrimp and vegetables together until well-coated and heated through. - Serve the General Tso’s shrimp over cooked jasmine rice. - Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. To get the best shrimp, choose large, fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp with a clean smell and a firm texture. When you get home, peel and devein them if needed. Marinate shrimp with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This helps them soak in the flavors and stay juicy. Cook shrimp in a hot skillet. This locks in moisture. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. If you overcook them, they can become rubbery. Keep an eye on them for the best results. To adjust the heat in your sauce, add red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and taste. You can always add more if you like it spicy. If you want a sweeter touch, add a bit of honey or brown sugar. For a tangy note, a splash of lime juice works wonders. Try adding other ingredients too. Pineapple chunks add sweetness. Bell peppers and carrots can add color and crunch. Feel free to experiment and find what you love! For a great-looking dish, use a bright plate. The colors of the shrimp and veggies will pop. Serve on a bed of jasmine rice for a nice contrast. When serving, sprinkle extra red pepper flakes and sliced green onions on top. This adds color and makes the dish look fresh and inviting. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro for a fragrant touch. Small bowls of extra sauce can encourage sharing and enhance the meal experience. {{image_2}} You can switch up the veggies in General Tso's shrimp. Try using snap peas or mushrooms. You can also add carrots or zucchini. Seasonal vegetables work great too. For spring, think about asparagus. In fall, add butternut squash. Just chop them small to match the shrimp's size. This keeps every bite balanced. If you want to change the protein, chicken or tofu can work well. For chicken, cut it into small pieces. Cook it a bit longer than shrimp. For tofu, press it first to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes and cook until brown. Adjust the cooking time so each protein cooks evenly. You can make this dish gluten-free easily. Swap regular soy sauce for tamari. Also, check the hoisin sauce for gluten. For vegetarian options, use tofu instead of shrimp. You can still enjoy all the great flavors. Just keep the sauce and veggies the same. To keep your General Tso’s shrimp fresh, follow these steps: - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Use a shallow container for quicker cooling. - Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. - For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag. Using glass containers helps avoid stains and odors. Always label the containers with the date. This way, you know how long they’ve been stored. When reheating, keep the shrimp’s texture in mind. Here are some tips: - Use a skillet over medium heat for best results. - Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. - Heat until warmed through but do not overcook. Microwaving is quick, but it can make the shrimp rubbery. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir often. How long can your dish last? Here’s the breakdown: - In the fridge, General Tso’s shrimp lasts about 3 days. - In the freezer, it can last up to 2 months. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level. Start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you want more heat, add more flakes. You can also add sliced fresh chili peppers. Just remember, it’s easier to add spice than to take it away. This dish pairs well with jasmine rice. You can also serve it with steamed rice or fried rice. For a fresh touch, add a side of cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. They will balance the flavors and add crunch. Look for shrimp that turn pink and opaque. They should curl slightly when cooked. If they feel firm to the touch, they are done. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them! Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just thaw them first. You can place them in cold water for quick thawing. Make sure to drain and pat them dry before using. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and absorb the flavors well. General Tso’s Shrimp combines shrimp, veggies, and a tasty sauce. We covered marinating, cooking, and serving. You can customize with different proteins and veggies. Store leftovers properly for best taste. Now, enjoy making this dish your own. With these tips, you’ll impress family and friends. Happy cooking!

General Tso’s Shrimp Better Than Takeout

Elevate your dinner with this delicious General Tso’s Shrimp recipe! This easy dish features succulent shrimp, crisp broccoli, and vibrant red bell peppers, all coated in a homemade savory sauce. Discover how to create this flavorful meal in just 25 minutes and impress your family or guests. Ready to dive into this mouthwatering recipe? Click through to explore the full instructions and make your meal unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup broccoli florets

1 red bell pepper, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

In a bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a sprinkle of salt. Toss to coat and set aside for about 15 minutes to marinate.

    While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the sauce by mixing the remaining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set aside.

      Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of sesame oil. Once hot, add the broccoli and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender but still crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque.

          Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the prepared sauce and stir to combine, letting it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

            Return the vegetables to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce and heated through.

              Serve the General Tso’s shrimp over a bed of jasmine rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 25 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in a bright plate or bowl to enhance the colors of the dish, and sprinkle extra red pepper flakes and green onions on top for a vibrant touch.