Homemade General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

A Sweet, Spicy, and Crispy Takeout Favorite

General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is the perfect blend of crispy, juicy shrimp tossed in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce with tender-crisp broccoli. This homemade version brings all the bold flavors of your favorite takeout dish right to your kitchen—faster, fresher, and even better than the restaurant version!

The Story Behind This Recipe

General Tso’s Chicken is a classic, but have you ever tried it with shrimp? The first time I had General Tso’s Shrimp was at a small family-run Chinese restaurant, and I instantly fell in love with the crispy, golden shrimp coated in that addictive sauce. After one bite, I knew I had to recreate it at home.

This version keeps all the signature flavors—garlicky, tangy, slightly spicy—but lightens things up by using shrimp instead of chicken and incorporating fresh broccoli for a balanced, colorful dish. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal!

Ingredient Notes

• Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best for a juicy bite.
• Broccoli: Adds freshness and crunch to balance the rich sauce.
• Cornstarch: Coats the shrimp for that signature crispiness.
• Garlic & Ginger: Essential aromatics for depth of flavor.
• Soy Sauce & Hoisin Sauce: The base of the bold, savory-sweet sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a bit of tang to balance the sweetness.
• Honey & Brown Sugar: Give the sauce its signature sticky glaze.
• Red Pepper Flakes or Chili Paste: Optional, but great for a little heat.
• Sesame Oil & Green Onions: For that finishing touch of nuttiness and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Coat and Cook the Shrimp

Toss the shrimp with cornstarch to lightly coat. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry until crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

2. Stir-Fry the Broccoli

In the same pan, add a bit more oil and stir-fry the broccoli until tender but still bright green, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

4. Combine Everything

Pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the cooked shrimp and broccoli, tossing to coat everything evenly.

5. Garnish and Serve

Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp make all the difference.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook quickly, so remove them once they turn pink.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or less red pepper flakes to suit your preference.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
• Pair with a side of egg rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.
• Drizzle with extra sesame oil for added depth of flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Gently: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of water to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
• Freeze the Sauce: The sauce can be made ahead and frozen separately for easy future meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish with chicken instead of shrimp?

Yes! Substitute chicken for shrimp and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

You can mix soy sauce with a little honey and a dash of five-spice powder for a similar effect.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Homemade General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s better than takeout and incredibly easy to make! Try it out and let me know how you like it in the comments below!

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