Crispy Homemade General Tso’s Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Craving an explosion of flavors, my quick General Tso’s shrimp and broccoli stir fry promises restaurant-quality magic right in your kitchen.

Chinese takeout never tasted this incredible at home.

Succulent shrimp dance with crisp broccoli florets in a glossy, sweet-spicy sauce that makes taste buds sing.

Delicate seafood meets vibrant vegetables for a meal that comes together faster than delivery.

Weeknight dinners just became way more exciting with this simple yet impressive dish.

Lean proteins and green veggies create a balanced plate packed with incredible taste and nutrition.

Grab your wok and let’s cook something spectacular that will have everyone asking for seconds!

General Tso’s Shrimp Stir Fry That Beats Takeout

• Quick Weeknight Hero: Whip up this delicious General Tsos Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving restaurant-quality meals at home.
• Customize with Ease: Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu, adjust spice levels, and add your favorite vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with this streamlined stir-fry technique that uses the same pan for each cooking stage, saving time and reducing dish washing.
• Nutrition Packed Meal: Combines lean protein from shrimp, fiber-rich broccoli, and a balanced sauce, delivering a wholesome dinner that satisfies taste buds and nutritional needs.

General Tso’s Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry Ingredients

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood protein that creates a delicious main course, best when fresh and deveined.

• Broccoli: Crisp green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture to the stir fry, choose bright green and fresh florets.

• Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Rich umami base for creating deep flavor profile, traditional Asian condiments that blend perfectly.
• Rice Vinegar: Tangy liquid that balances sauce sweetness, adds bright acidic notes.
• Honey, Brown Sugar: Natural sweeteners that create glossy, caramelized sauce coating.

• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic flavor boosters that provide authentic Asian taste, fresh is always better than dried.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and spice complexity to the dish.

• Cornstarch: Essential for coating shrimp and thickening sauce, creates crispy exterior and smooth sauce texture.
• Water: Helps balance sauce consistency and blend ingredients smoothly.

• Sesame Oil: Provides nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor finish.
• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Garnishes that add visual appeal and fresh crunch.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for high-heat stir frying, ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

General Tso Shrimp Stir-Fry Method

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp for Sizzling

Grab your shrimp and give them a generous cornstarch coating.

Heat a large skillet with oil until it’s dancing hot.

Toss the shrimp into the pan and let them sizzle until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side.

Once they’re perfectly crispy, rescue them from the heat and set them aside.

Step 2: Brighten Up the Broccoli

Use the same pan and add a touch of fresh oil.

Tumble in the broccoli and stir-fry with quick, passionate movements.

Keep the broccoli moving until it’s tender but still maintains its vibrant green color, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Transfer the broccoli to join the shrimp on the sidelines.

Step 3: Craft a Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes
• Water

Whisk these ingredients together, then sprinkle in cornstarch to give the sauce some magical thickening power.

Step 4: Bring the Dish Together

Pour the sauce into the pan and let it bubble and thicken for a minute or two.

Return the shrimp and broccoli to the pan, gently tossing everything so each morsel gets a luxurious sauce coating.

Step 5: Finish with Flair

Drizzle sesame oil over the dish for an extra layer of richness.

Scatter sesame seeds and green onion slices on top for a pop of color and crunch.

Serve this masterpiece over steamed rice or noodles and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Stir-Fry Tips for General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli

• Use a light, even layer of cornstarch on shrimp to create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and prevents sogginess.
• Quickly stir-fry broccoli to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture, avoiding overcooking that can make it mushy and dull.
• Adjust sauce ingredients to taste, adding more honey for sweetness, red pepper flakes for heat, or rice vinegar for tanginess to personalize the dish.
• Use high heat and work in batches to ensure shrimp gets perfectly crispy without steaming, maintaining its tender texture and preventing overcrowding in the pan.
• Sprinkle generous amounts of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions to add texture, brightness, and a professional restaurant-style finish.

General Tso’s Shrimp Storage

• Store leftover shrimp and broccoli stir fry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness and restore sauce consistency. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent rubbery shrimp and ensure even warming. Add a tablespoon of water to maintain moisture.
• Freeze the stir fry without rice for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Great Pairings for General Tso’s Shrimp

• Pair Zesty Riesling with Dish: A crisp, slightly sweet Riesling complements the spicy and sweet notes of General Tso's sauce, balancing the heat while enhancing the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Serve with Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Fragrant jasmine rice absorbs the rich sauce perfectly, providing a soft texture contrast to the crispy shrimp and creating a harmonious base for the stir-fry.
• Add Crunchy Asian Slaw: A tangy cabbage and carrot slaw with rice vinegar dressing cuts through the richness of the dish, adding refreshing texture and a bright, light counterpoint to the savory shrimp.
• Recommend Crisp Lager Beer: A cold, light-bodied lager cleanses the palate between bites, neutralizing the spiciness and highlighting the dish's complex flavor profile without overwhelming the seafood.

General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Blends

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace shrimp with extra-firm tofu, pressing and coating with cornstarch before frying. Swap out broccoli for mixed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Replace honey with monk fruit sweetener for fewer calories.
• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Add different seafood like scallops or crab alongside shrimp. Increase red pepper flakes and include fresh chili peppers for an extra kick. Garnish with Thai basil for a Southeast Asian flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Quinoa Version: Replace traditional rice with quinoa for added protein and nutrition. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a lighter, slightly sweeter sauce. Include grilled chicken as an additional protein option.

FAQs

• What makes the sauce unique in this recipe?

The sauce combines sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors with soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes, creating a complex and balanced General Tso’s style coating.

• Do I need special cooking skills to make this stir fry?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly. It requires basic cooking techniques like coating shrimp, stir-frying vegetables, and making a simple sauce. Anyone with basic kitchen skills can successfully prepare this dish.

• Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?

Yes, you can easily replace shrimp with chicken, tofu, or beef. Just ensure you cook the alternative protein thoroughly and adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein type.

• How important is cornstarch in this recipe?

Cornstarch is crucial for two reasons: it helps create a crispy coating on the shrimp and thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-style texture and appearance.

Homemade General Tsos Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to home kitchens with bold, tangy sauce and perfectly crisp vegetables. Spicy, sweet, and packed with protein, this dish delivers a quick meal that satisfies cravings and impresses dinner companions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 green onions, sliced

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup water

Coating and Cooking:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons oil (for frying)
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp by thoroughly coating them in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly and lightly covered for a crispy exterior texture.
2. Heat oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling environment for cooking.
3. Carefully place the cornstarch-coated shrimp into the hot pan, allowing them to transform into a golden and crisp delicacy for approximately 2 minutes per side.
4. Extract the perfectly cooked shrimp and transfer to a clean plate, keeping them warm and ready for later incorporation.
5. Without cleaning the pan, introduce an additional touch of oil and initiate the broccoli cooking process.
6. Quickly stir-fry the broccoli florets, maintaining their vibrant green color and tender-crisp consistency for 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove the broccoli and set aside alongside the shrimp.
8. Craft a robust sauce by combining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and water in a mixing bowl.
9. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly, then integrate a small amount of cornstarch to enhance the sauce’s thickening potential.
10. Return the pan to heat and pour the prepared sauce, allowing it to simmer and develop a rich, glossy consistency.
11. Reintroduce the shrimp and broccoli into the pan, gently tossing to ensure complete and even sauce coverage.
12. Elevate the dish’s flavor profile by drizzling with sesame oil and generously sprinkling sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions.
13. Present the aromatic stir-fry atop a bed of steamed rice or noodles, ready to delight the palate.

Notes

• Perfectly coat shrimp by patting them dry before adding cornstarch to ensure a crispy, golden exterior without clumping.
• Control heat carefully when frying shrimp to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Swap proteins easily by substituting shrimp with chicken, tofu, or tempeh for different dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free honey alternatives or cutting back on brown sugar for a lighter, healthier version of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg