Easy General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp add great flavor and texture. If you’re avoiding seafood, use chicken or tofu instead for a similar dish.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give a nice crunch. You can substitute with other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or even bok choy if you prefer!

Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and grated ginger pack a flavorful punch. If fresh isn’t available, use garlic powder and ground ginger—about half the amount should work well.

Hoisin Sauce: This brings in that unique sweetness. If you don’t have it, a mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey or sugar can work as a substitute.

Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, opt for tamari. Or use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor!

What’s the Best Way to Cook Broccoli to Keep it Crunchy?

To make sure your broccoli stays tender-crisp, consider these steps:

• Use fresh broccoli that is bright green. Cut it into small florets for quick cooking.
• When stir-frying, add broccoli after sautéing garlic and ginger, cooking for just 3-4 minutes.
• If you like it even crunchier, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before stir-frying!

How Do I Thicken the Sauce Perfectly?

Getting the sauce just right can be key to this dish:

• After adding the sauce to the skillet, let it simmer to blend flavors.
• Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then stir it into the sauce. This will help thicken it.
• Cook it for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Using these tips, you’ll create a delicious, quick meal that everyone will love! Enjoy!

How to Make Easy General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Main Dish:

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

For The Sauce:

• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice or brown rice
• Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes of preparation and about 15 minutes of cooking, giving you a total of 25 minutes to enjoy a delicious meal ready on your table!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. This will be the tasty sauce for your shrimp and broccoli. Set it aside for now.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Then, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant; be careful not to burn them!

4. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, stir-frying for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. This keeps them crunchy and vibrant.

5. Combine Sauce and Thicken:

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the broccoli and bring it to a simmer. Stir the cornstarch slurry until smooth, then add it to the sauce, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens nicely.

6. Add Shrimp and Final Touches:

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything well to coat in that delicious sauce. If you want, drizzle the sesame oil over the dish for extra flavor and mix it in!

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your General Tso’s shrimp and broccoli over a bowl of cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop! Enjoy your meal!

Now you’ve made a fantastic, easy General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli that will impress everyone at your dinner table!

FAQ: Easy General Tso’s Shrimp and Broccoli

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?

Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes. Ensure they’re well-drained and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?

No worries! If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of soy sauce and a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to achieve a similar sweet and savory flavor.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?

Yes, feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots! Just adjust the stir-frying time based on how quickly they cook, to keep everything tender-crisp.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to refresh the sauce.