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: For the Shrimp and Broccoli:; 400g large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; For the General Tso’s Sauce:; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1 tablespoon ketchup (for a slight tangy flavor); For Garnish:; Toasted sesame seeds; Chopped green onions

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If you’ve ever craved that iconic, tangy-sweet, and slightly spicy General Tso’s sauce, but didn’t want to order takeout, then this homemade version is for you. With juicy shrimp, tender broccoli, and that signature bold sauce, this stir fry is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Best of all, it’s quick, easy, and can be made in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Homemade General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is everything you love about the takeout classic, but made fresh with ingredients you can feel good about. The shrimp is succulent and perfectly cooked, the broccoli stays crisp-tender, and the sauce is the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and spicy. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that comes together in no time, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Plus, you’ll have control over the sweetness and spice levels, so you can tailor it to your taste.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp and Broccoli:

400g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

For the General Tso’s Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tablespoon ketchup (for a slight tangy flavor)

For Garnish:

Toasted sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

You can find the full list of ingredients below.

Directions

1. Cook the Broccoli

Start by blanching the broccoli. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and once boiling, add the broccoli florets. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Shrimp

While the broccoli is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear properly in the stir-fry. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set them aside while you prepare the sauce.

3. Make the General Tso’s Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and ketchup. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce as it cooks, giving it that signature glossy texture. Set the sauce aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Shrimp and Garlic

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

5. Combine the Shrimp, Broccoli, and Sauce

In the same skillet, add the broccoli and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to heat through. Pour the General Tso’s sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Once the sauce begins to thicken, return the shrimp to the pan and toss everything together until the shrimp is coated in the sauce and the broccoli is well-mixed.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once everything is coated and heated through, transfer the stir fry to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a bit of crunch and color. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Expert Tips and Tricks

To make the shrimp extra crispy, you can coat them lightly in cornstarch before stir-frying. This will give them a crunchy exterior that pairs wonderfully with the sauce.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the cornstarch slightly or simmer the sauce a bit longer before adding the shrimp and broccoli.
Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes. If you like it extra spicy, you can also add a bit of chili paste or fresh sliced chilies.
For extra flavor, you can marinate the shrimp for about 15-30 minutes in a bit of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic before cooking.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re not a fan of shrimp, chicken or tofu work great as a substitute. Just make sure to cook them through before adding the sauce.
You can switch up the veggies based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, snap peas, and even mushrooms can be great additions to this stir fry.
If you can’t find hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with more soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little honey or sugar for sweetness.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This stir fry is perfect served with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with noodles, like soba or udon, for a heartier meal. Pair it with a crisp cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, a side of crispy egg rolls or dumplings would make a great addition.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply heat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also microwave the stir fry in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

4 FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the sauce and even cook the shrimp and broccoli ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss everything together in a pan and reheat the sauce.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking, so they sear properly.

3. Can I use other vegetables in this stir fry?

Yes! This recipe is very versatile. You can use bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, or even baby corn—whatever you like!

4. Is this dish gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, then this dish can be made gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels on the hoisin sauce and other ingredients to make sure they’re gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

This Homemade General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is everything you love about takeout, but made in your own kitchen with fresh ingredients and customized to your tastes. It’s quick, full of flavor, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re craving something sweet and savory or looking for a simple yet impressive dinner, this dish won’t disappoint. Whip it up for your next meal and enjoy!

Homemade General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Stir Fry, Dinner, Main Course
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Chinese, Asian
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This homemade version of the popular General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli stir fry brings you the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and spicy with succulent shrimp, tender broccoli, and a bold, flavorful sauce. Quick, easy, and customizable to your preferred spice level, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that rivals takeout!

Instructions

Cook the Broccoli: Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and ketchup.
Stir-Fry Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok. Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Combine and Cook: In the same skillet, stir-fry the broccoli for 1-2 minutes. Add the sauce and bring to a simmer. Once thickened, return shrimp to pan and toss everything to coat in the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer stir fry to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.