Try a classic Chinese-American dish with shrimp instead of chicken.
Since I was a kid, General Tso’s chicken has always been one of my favorite dishes to order at Chinese restaurants. I love the spices, and I love the sauce, but it never occurred to me to have it with anything other than chicken. Needless to say, my mind was blown when I first tried this dish with shrimp. I was also amazed the first time I tried making it at home. The dish comes together quite easily, making it perfect for any night of the week.
Of course, I wouldn’t be recommending homemade General Tso’s shrimp if it didn’t taste as good as anything you would find in a restaurant. There is a full spectrum of flavors in the sauce, from garlic to ginger to soy sauce. But don’t forget the pepper flakes that help add the signature spice of General Tso’s. Since you’re making the dish yourself, you’ll be able to control just how spicy it is, which is a major reason why I love making this dish at home.
Is General Tso’s Shrimp Healthy?
There are both pros and cons to General Tso’s shrimp from a health standpoint. For starters, the dish is low in calories and relatively low in fat. Shrimp is a good source of protein, while garlic, ginger, and other ingredients have known health benefits. The downside is that there are high levels of sodium and cholesterol in this dish, which is common with Chinese dishes. For people who are watching their sodium and cholesterol intake, this is a dish that should only be enjoyed occasionally.
Add More Veggies
While I love the sauce in a classic General Tso’s chicken or shrimp dish, I like it even more with the addition of some vegetables. This is another way to improve the nutritional profile of the dish. Broccoli florets, sliced carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, and stir-fried vegetables can be added when combining the cooked shrimp and the sauce. Obviously, you don’t want to overload the dish with veggies and take attention away from the shrimp. But some vegetables can add extra flavor and texture to the meal.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare
Mix sauce ingredients.
Cook
Sauté garlic, ginger, and shrimp.
Simmer
Combine with sauce, garnish, and serve.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container and use within 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
This is a matter of personal preference, but some people soak shrimp and other types of seafood in milk before cooking to help reduce the fishy taste and odor. To do this, simply place the shrimp in a bowl of milk and refrigerate for about half an hour.
No, General Tso’s is not an authentic Chinese dish. It was created in New York in the 1970s by Taiwanese chef Peng Chang-kuei, specifically for American tastes. While it’s inspired by Hunan cuisine, it has no roots in traditional Chinese cooking. The dish was named after a 19th-century Chinese military leader, General Tso, but there’s no historical connection between him and the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
A bed of rice is always a great complement for General Tso’s. I usually prefer classic Steamed Rice or Garlic Rice. However, Brown Rice Pilaf or Vegetable Fried Rice also go well with any General Tso’s dish. You might also consider Quinoa With Roasted Vegetables, which could be a little healthier than rice. Finally, if you want the perfect appetizer to go with General Tso’s shrimp, you can’t go wrong with Crispy Air-Fryer Egg Rolls.
General Tso’s Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
-
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch mixture until smooth.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
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Pour the sauce over the shrimp in the skillet. Add red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to coat the shrimp with the sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
-
Remove from heat. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Nutrition
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