Craving takeout but want a healthier, homemade option? Then look no further! This General Tso's Shrimp recipe delivers all the vibrant flavors of your favorite restaurant dish, but with the convenience of a quick weeknight meal. It's packed with juicy shrimp, a sweet and savory sauce, and a satisfying crunch – perfect for those busy evenings when you still want something delicious and healthy. This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking to add a new twist to their repertoire of delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound 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)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely when you fry them.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Make sure all the shrimp are fully covered with the mixture.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque and are nicely golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce into the same skillet you used to cook the shrimp. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete and healthy meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure they crisp up properly and don't steam.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. For a milder dish, omit them entirely.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
Variations:
- Chicken or Tofu: Substitute shrimp with chicken breast or firm tofu for a different protein option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas, to the skillet along with the shrimp.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
This General Tso's Shrimp recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that are both quick and healthy. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Enjoy!