Name: Homemade General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – 1 lb (about 450g); Fresh broccoli florets – 3 cups; Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons; Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon; Hoisin sauce – 2 tablespoons; Brown sugar – 1 tablespoon; Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves; Ginger (grated) – 1 teaspoon; Red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon (adjust based on desired spice level); Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon; Green onions (for garnish) – 2 stalks (chopped); Sesame seeds (for garnish) – 1 tablespoon; Oil (for sautéing) – 2 tablespoons (vegetable or sesame oil)

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If you’re a fan of the sweet and savory flavors in General Tso’s chicken, you’re going to absolutely love this twist on the classic—General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry. It’s got that signature sticky sauce, crispy shrimp, and tender broccoli, but it comes together so quickly and is a little lighter thanks to the shrimp and fresh veggies. This dish is the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving Chinese takeout but want to whip it up in your own kitchen!

It’s packed with bold flavors, a little heat, and that irresistible sticky sauce that makes you want to keep going back for more. Trust me, this dish is a crowd-pleaser every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this stir fry is a fast and tasty dinner option.
Sweet and savory sauce: The sauce is the star of the show here—slightly sweet, tangy, with a kick of heat.
Healthy-ish: With shrimp and broccoli, it’s lighter than the fried chicken version but still so satisfying.
Customizable: You can easily make this dish your own by swapping shrimp for chicken or adding other veggies.

Ingredients

Here’s a preview of what you’ll need to make this dish:

Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Fresh broccoli florets
Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce for the sauce base
Brown sugar for a touch of sweetness
Garlic and ginger for that essential flavor punch
Red pepper flakes for heat
Cornstarch to give the sauce that glossy, sticky texture
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

The full ingredient list can be found below.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps them get crispy when they’re cooked. Season them lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Add in minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes for flavor. This sauce is sweet, tangy, and has the perfect amount of heat. Set it aside for later.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they start to become tender but still have some crunch. You can add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli if needed. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

In the same pan, add a little more oil and toss the shrimp in, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside with the broccoli.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In the same pan, pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Then, add the shrimp and broccoli back into the pan, tossing everything together so the sauce evenly coats the shrimp and veggies.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Serve the stir fry hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooking will make them tough.
Adjust the heat: If you prefer less heat, skip the red pepper flakes or use less. You can always adjust the spice level to your liking.
Make it crispy: For a slightly crispier shrimp, toss them in cornstarch before cooking. This adds a little extra crunch!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Chicken: Swap the shrimp for chicken breast or thighs for a different protein. Just make sure to cook the chicken through before adding the sauce.
Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, try using tofu or tempeh in place of the shrimp.
Extra veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the stir fry.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, or for a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works great! Pair it with an appetizer like vegetable spring rolls or a side of Chinese-style pickled cucumbers to complete the meal. It’s also delicious with a chilled glass of white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave or warm it in a skillet over low heat. You may want to add a little splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen up the sauce.

4 FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
How do I get the sauce to be thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch to the sauce mixture, or simmer it for a few extra minutes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less to your taste.

Conclusion

This Homemade General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy with all the satisfying flavors you love from the classic General Tso’s dish. It’s a delicious and healthier alternative to takeout, and it’s so easy to make right at home. I can’t wait for you to try it—your taste buds are going to thank you!

Homemade General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

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A lighter, healthier twist on the classic General Tso’s dish, this stir fry features crispy shrimp, tender broccoli, and a sweet and savory sauce. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir Fry
Cuisine: Chinese

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce: Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Cook the Broccoli: Sauté broccoli in oil for 3-4 minutes, until tender but still crunchy. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in oil for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Combine Everything: Pour sauce into the pan, simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened, then add shrimp and broccoli back. Toss to coat.
Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
Adjust spice level: Modify the red pepper flakes to your desired heat level.
Make it crispy: Toss shrimp in cornstarch before cooking for added crispiness.