Get ready for a quick and tasty meal with this Easy General Tso’s Shrimp with Broccoli! Juicy shrimp and fresh broccoli are coated in a lovely sweet and spicy sauce that makes your taste buds dance.
This dish is my go-to when I’m short on time but want something yummy. Just toss everything together in one pan, and dinner is served in a flash! How easy is that? 🍤🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal due to their juiciness. If you’re allergic or don’t like shrimp, consider chicken or tofu as a tasty alternative.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, but you can swap it for snow peas, bell peppers, or even bok choy based on your preference.
Vegetable Oil: It’s great for high-heat cooking. You can substitute with olive oil or sesame oil for extra flavor. Just be careful with sesame oil, as it has a stronger taste.
Hoisin Sauce: This sweet sauce is a key flavor here. If you’re out, mix soy sauce with a little honey or even BBQ sauce as a substitute.
How Do I Make Sure the Sauce Fits Perfectly?
The sauce is essential for that rich flavor. Start by mixing everything well to prevent clumps from the cornstarch. Remember, adding the sauce last helps it coat the shrimp and broccoli evenly.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients until smooth and set aside. This keeps everything organized.
- Once the shrimp are fully cooked, adding the sauce and cooking briefly until it’s thick helps marry the flavors.
- Keep stirring while cooking to prevent burning and ensure every bite is flavorful!
Easy General Tso’s Shrimp with Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce or chili flakes (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes of prep time, and then another 10-15 minutes to cook. So, you can have this tasty dish ready in about 20-25 minutes! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and chili sauce until everything is smooth. This will be your sweet and spicy sauce. Set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and still crisp. Once done, remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Garlic and Ginger:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Then add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until you can smell their great aroma—be careful not to burn them!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. The shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!
5. Combine Everything:
Next, return the cooked broccoli to the skillet. Give the sauce mixture a final stir and then pour it over the shrimp and broccoli. Mix everything together gently.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Cook everything for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the shrimp and broccoli. The heat and stirring will help the cornstarch activate and thicken the sauce!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is well coated and heated through, remove it from the heat. Serve your delightful General Tso’s Shrimp with Broccoli hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this safely by placing them in the fridge overnight or by quickly thawing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Broccoli?
If you’re not a fan of broccoli or don’t have any on hand, feel free to substitute it with other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or green beans for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time to keep the veggies crisp!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like it spicier, you can increase the amount of chili sauce or chili flakes in the sauce. Alternatively, consider adding sliced fresh chilies or a splash of sriracha when you combine everything in the skillet.
