Craving takeout but want a healthier, homemade alternative? Look no further! This General Tso Shrimp recipe delivers all the satisfying sweet and savory flavors of your favorite restaurant dish, but with the added benefit of knowing exactly what's going into it. It's surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cooking project. This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can easily create at home, showcasing the joy of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
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For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
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For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining them. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely when frying.
Prepare the Shrimp for Frying:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the shrimp and toss until they are evenly coated.
Fry the Shrimp:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a drop of batter should sizzle immediately), carefully add the shrimp in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Sauce:
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In a separate saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. This should take just a few minutes.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the fried shrimp to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch.
Tips for the Best General Tso Shrimp:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the shrimp. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Fry in batches for best results.
- Make sure the sauce is simmering before adding the shrimp. This ensures that the shrimp are fully coated in the thickened sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a healthier option, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Toss the coated shrimp with a little cooking spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Include your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the sauce along with the shrimp.
- Use different protein: Substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different twist.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients and quantities used. Generally, this recipe provides a good source of protein and is relatively lower in carbohydrates compared to other takeout options. This is a great example of healthy meals you can easily prepare at home.
This General Tso Shrimp recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. It's a fantastic quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights and a wonderful addition to your repertoire of best recipes. Enjoy!