Name: General Tso’s Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 500 g shrimp (raw or blanched); 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper; 1 tsp white pepper; 1 egg (beaten); 1/2 cup plain flour; 1/2 cup cornflour (cornstarch); 1/3 cup neutral oil (for shallow-frying); 2 tbsp neutral oil; 1 tbsp garlic (finely chopped); 1 tbsp ginger (finely chopped); 1 tsp crushed red pepper; 3 tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp sriracha sauce; 1 tbsp all-purpose soy sauce; 1 tsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 cup water; 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch); 1 spring onion (green part sliced); toasted white sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that sweet-spicy kick of a classic Chinese takeout favorite, then you have to try making General Tso’s Shrimp at home! This dish brings together crispy, golden shrimp and a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat, savory depth, and a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or want to impress a crowd with your homemade takeout skills, General Tso’s Shrimp is guaranteed to earn rave reviews.

General Tso's Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

General Tso’s Shrimp comes together with a beautiful symphony of pantry staples and a handful of aromatics. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s adding crunch, spice, or a striking pop of color. Here’s a breakdown to guide you through what you’ll need for restaurant-quality results at home!

Shrimp (500 g): Choose raw or blanched shrimp for maximum flavor and a juicy, snappy texture in every bite.
Salt (3/4 tsp): Enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp and builds the foundation for your seasoning.
Crushed black pepper (1/2 tsp): Offers a subtle earthiness and a little heat that wakes up your palate.
White pepper (1 tsp): Adds a distinct, fragrant warmth that’s classic in many Chinese-style dishes.
Egg (1, beaten): Helps the coating stick beautifully to each shrimp, ensuring a crunchy exterior.
Plain flour (1/2 cup): Lends a delicate crispness when fried.
Cornflour/cornstarch (1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp): Key to an airy, ultra-crispy coating and also thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
Neutral oil (1/3 cup for frying, 2 tbsp for sauce): Keeps the flavors clean and lets the aromatics and sauce shine through.
Garlic (1 tbsp, finely chopped): Brings deep savory notes that infuse every layer with flavor.
Ginger (1 tbsp, finely chopped): Fresh, spicy brightness that livens up the sauce.
Crushed red pepper (1 tsp): Sprinkles in heat; feel free to adjust this to your spice comfort zone.
Hoisin sauce (3 tbsp): Delivers rich, complex sweetness and a bit of tang in the sauce.
Sriracha sauce (2 tbsp): Dials up the heat while adding garlicky depth.
All-purpose soy sauce (1 tbsp): Savory, umami-rich backbone for the sauce.
Rice vinegar (1 tsp): Brightens the sauce and perfectly balances out the sweet and spicy notes.
Toasted sesame oil (2 tsp): Nutty aroma and flavor that makes the sauce irresistibly fragrant.
Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Rounds out the heat and acidity with its gentle sweetness.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps bind the sauce and bring everything together smoothly.
Spring onion (green part, sliced): Adds a fresh, grassy crunch and a gorgeous pop of color.
Toasted white sesame seeds: Sprinkled over just before serving for a little nuttiness and texture.

How to Make General Tso’s Shrimp

Step 1: Mix the Signature Sauce

Start by whisking together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl: hoisin sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, water, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This rich, spicy-sweet mixture is the magic that sets General Tso’s Shrimp apart. Set it aside so it’s ready to go once your shrimp are golden and crisp.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Add the salt, crushed black pepper, and white pepper straight onto your shrimp. Mix well to ensure every piece is well-seasoned. Crack in a beaten egg and stir until the shrimp are glossy and completely coated—this step guarantees your crust will stick and crisp up just right.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Combine the plain flour and 1/2 cup of cornflour (cornstarch) in a separate bowl or ziplock bag. Add in your seasoned, eggy shrimp and toss until each piece is generously dusted. This double-dredge between flour and cornstarch creates the crunchiest crust you’ll ever bite into!

Step 4: Shallow-Fry to Perfection

Pour enough neutral oil into a wide pan for shallow-frying and get it hot over medium-high heat. Carefully drop in the coated shrimp, taking care not to crowd the pan—if you need to, fry in batches for even browning. Each shrimp should sizzle on contact and turn crisp and golden on both sides within a few minutes. When done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pan, discard most of the frying oil, leaving just 2 tablespoons. On medium heat, toss in the finely chopped garlic and ginger. Stir and sauté until your kitchen smells amazing and the aromatics are just starting to turn golden. For extra spice, add in the crushed red pepper at this stage!

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and pour your pre-mixed sauce into the pan. Keep stirring until it starts to bubble and thicken into a beautiful, glossy glaze. The cornstarch works its magic here—so make sure to whisk or stir continuously and prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 7: Toss in the Fried Shrimp

With the heat off, gently add the crispy shrimp to the pan and use a spatula or spoon to toss them until fully coated in the luscious, sticky sauce. Make sure every shrimp is glistening and none are left bare—this is where they soak up all that flavor!

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Transfer the finished General Tso’s Shrimp to your prettiest serving plate. Scatter over the sliced green parts of the spring onion and shower with toasted sesame seeds for that satisfying nutty crunch. Now it’s ready to steal the spotlight on your dinner table!

How to Serve General Tso’s Shrimp

Garnishes

No plate of General Tso’s Shrimp is truly finished without its signature garnishes. Top with fresh, sliced green onions for a crisp brightness and a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds to add extra crunch and visual pop. A wedge of lime on the side never hurts for those who enjoy an extra zing!

Side Dishes

For a balanced meal, serve this shrimp dish over fluffy steamed jasmine rice or a bed of delicate stir-fried noodles. If you’re up for something lighter, opt for simple sautéed greens like bok choy or snap peas—their mild flavor pairs beautifully with the bold sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

General Tso’s Shrimp makes an eye-catching centerpiece for family feasts, but you can also serve it party-style as an appetizer with toothpicks or atop crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld bite. Don’t hesitate to layer it into a vibrant poke bowl with avocado and slaw for a colorful, modern twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the cooled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the shrimp as crisp as possible, try to separate any sauce from the shrimp if you can, storing them in different containers.

Freezing

Fried shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze, lay the cooled shrimp out on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. The sauce can also be frozen separately in a small airtight jar. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw the shrimp and sauce in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To recapture that coveted crispy coating, reheat the shrimp in a 400°F oven or air fryer for about 5-7 minutes. Warm the sauce gently on the stove and toss the shrimp through just before serving. Microwaving is quick but will soften the coating, so save that for emergency desk lunches!

FAQs

What type of shrimp works best for General Tso’s Shrimp?

Medium to large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) are ideal, as they offer a satisfying bite and soak up the flavors beautifully. Frozen shrimp work just as well—just be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly.

Can I make General Tso’s Shrimp less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the sriracha and crushed red pepper. You’ll still get all the addictive flavor without the extra heat, making it perfect for kids or spice-sensitive guests.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry the shrimp?

You can! Coat the shrimp as directed and arrange them on a rack set over a baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil and bake at 425°F for about 10 minutes, flipping once—expect a little less crunch, but they’re still tasty and lighter.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Just swap the plain flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check your hoisin sauce too—many brands offer gluten-free versions now.

Can I use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp?

Absolutely! Follow the same process: coat bite-sized chicken or extra-firm tofu pieces and fry or bake until crisp. Then finish in that luscious General Tso’s sauce for delicious results every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about bringing the magic of General Tso’s Shrimp to life in your own kitchen—every bit as crave-worthy as your favorite takeout, but even more satisfying since you made it yourself. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite twists, and watch how quickly it vanishes at the dinner table. Enjoy every bold, saucy bite!

General Tso’s Shrimp Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and flavorful recipe for General Tso’s Shrimp, with crispy fried shrimp coated in a savory and spicy sauce. Perfect for a special dinner or as a tasty appetizer!

Instructions

Mix together the sauce ingredients and keep aside. In a separate bowl, prepare the shrimp by seasoning with salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Add beaten egg and coat the shrimp in a mixture of plain flour and cornflour.
Heat oil in a pan for shallow-frying. Fry the coated shrimp until golden and crispy. Set aside.
Saute ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper in oil. Add the prepared sauce mixture, simmer until thickened.
Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onion.
Serve and enjoy with rice or noodles!

Notes

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy texture.
You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less crushed red pepper.
Feel free to customize the sauce with your favorite seasonings or additional vegetables.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying, Sauteing
Cuisine: Chinese