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General Tso Shrimp Recipe Easy Crispy Spicy Glaze for Perfect Flavor

General Tso shrimp recipe - featured image

A quick and easy General Tso shrimp recipe featuring crispy battered shrimp coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with cornstarch or rice flour for extra crispiness)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/3 cup cold water
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup water mixed with 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening glaze)
  • Sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and beaten egg. Gradually add cold water, stirring until smooth and thick enough to coat the shrimp evenly. Adjust consistency as needed.
  3. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable or peanut oil into a wok or deep skillet. Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
  4. Dip each shrimp into the batter, letting excess drip off, then carefully lower into hot oil. Fry in batches of 8-10 shrimp for about 2 minutes until batter is pale and just set. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Increase oil heat slightly and fry the shrimp again for 1-2 minutes until golden and extra crispy. Drain again on paper towels.
  6. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to simmer.
  7. Stir the cornstarch-water slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring. Cook for 1-2 minutes until glaze thickens to a sticky syrup consistency. Remove from heat.
  8. Place fried shrimp in a large bowl, pour the hot glaze over, and gently toss until each piece is coated.
  9. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or preferred sides.

Notes

Dry shrimp thoroughly before battering to ensure crispiness. Double frying is key to achieving the perfect crunchy texture. Keep an eye on oil temperature to maintain consistent frying heat. Stir glaze constantly when thickening to avoid burning. For less spice, reduce chili garlic sauce or add honey. Leftovers lose crispiness but can be reheated in the oven to regain some texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: General Tso shrimp, crispy shrimp, spicy shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, quick dinner, Chinese shrimp recipe, double fried shrimp, sticky glaze shrimp