Easy General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp will work too—just thaw them beforehand. You could also swap shrimp for chicken or tofu to suit your preference.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds nice crunch and nutrition. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli can be a great substitute. Steamed broccoli works well in a pinch, but adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a good option for a healthier choice. If you’re gluten-free, consider using tamari sauce instead. For a sweet twist, coconut aminos are also a great alternative.

Hoisin Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce is key in this recipe. If you don’t have it, you can mix equal parts soy sauce and peanut butter for a similar flavor. Maple syrup can also add sweetness if you’re out of hoisin.

How Do I Make Sure My Broccoli is Perfectly Cooked?

To achieve perfectly cooked broccoli, stir-fry it on medium-high heat for just the right amount of time. Here’s a simple guide:

• First, toss the broccoli in the hot skillet with a bit of oil. Stir often to keep it from burning.
• Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the broccoli turns bright green and is tender-crisp, meaning it still has that nice crunch!
• If you like your broccoli softer, add a splash of water to the pan, cover it for a minute, then continue cooking.

This keeps the broccoli vibrant and fresh without losing too many nutrients! Make sure to taste it as you go, you’ll know when it’s just right!

Easy General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds (optional)

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of cooking time, so you can have it ready in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). This mixture will be your tasty sauce, so set it aside for later.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.

3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéeing them for about 30 seconds until they release a lovely fragrance. Be careful not to let them burn!

4. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:

Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until they become tender-crisp. They should be vibrant green and still have a slight crunch.

5. Combine the Sauce:

Pour in the sauce mixture along with 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will help the flavors meld beautifully!

6. Thicken the Sauce:

Now, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

7. Add the Shrimp Back:

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss everything together to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated in that delicious sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat everything through.

8. Garnish and Serve:

Finally, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve your Easy General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli hot over a bed of fluffy white rice. Enjoy your homemade feast!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works well, just ensure they are thawed completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat the shrimp and broccoli in a skillet when you’re ready to serve.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.

What Should I Serve With General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli?

This dish pairs beautifully with cooked white rice, but you could also serve it over brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist. Additionally, it works well alongside steamed dumplings or a fresh garden salad.