General Tso Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce: Easy Takeout-Style Dinner at Home

Craving the irresistible flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout but want a healthier, quicker, and customizable option? Look no further than this incredible General Tso Shrimp recipe! This dish takes all the beloved sweet and spicy notes of classic General Tso’s and elevates them with succulent, quick-cooking shrimp, generous portions of crisp-tender broccoli, and a vibrant sweet chili sauce that’s incredibly easy to make at home. Forget waiting for delivery – you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights.

Why Shrimp? The Ultimate Weeknight Protein

When it comes to quick and delicious meals, shrimp often takes the top spot in many home kitchens. It’s certainly my personal favorite! If I could incorporate shrimp into every meal instead of traditional chicken or beef, I absolutely would. There are several compelling reasons why shrimp shines in this General Tso variation:

• Lightning-Fast Cooking: Shrimp cooks in mere minutes, making it ideal for those evenings when time is of the essence. No lengthy marinating or slow simmering required.
• Lean and Healthy: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories and saturated fat, making this a healthier alternative to fried chicken dishes often found in takeout.
• Incredible Flavor Absorption: The delicate flavor of shrimp perfectly complements bold sauces like General Tso’s, readily absorbing the sweet, spicy, and savory notes without overpowering them.
• Versatility: From air fryer coconut shrimp to this sweet chili-infused General Tso’s, shrimp adapts beautifully to a myriad of culinary styles.

Today’s recipe isn’t just any shrimp dish; it’s a delightful twist on a Chinese-American classic: General Tso Shrimp!

A Fresh Take on a Classic: Our General Tso Shrimp Innovations

Like many, I have a deep appreciation for Chinese takeout, and General Tso’s Chicken is almost always my go-to order. That perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, often with a hint of tang, is simply irresistible. However, when recreating this beloved dish at home, I decided to introduce a few key modifications to make it even better, more balanced, and tailored to my preferences. These thoughtful changes elevate the traditional experience:

1. Succulent Shrimp Over Chicken

The most significant departure from the original is, of course, the star protein: shrimp! While General Tso’s is traditionally made with crispy fried chicken, using shrimp offers several advantages for a home-cooked meal. It’s lighter, cooks much faster, and provides a wonderfully tender texture that pairs beautifully with the rich, bold sauce. This swap not only cuts down on cooking time but also makes for a fresh, delightful change from the usual.

2. A Broccoli Bonanza

Have you ever felt a little short-changed by the two measly pieces of broccoli in your takeout container? I certainly have! My philosophy for homemade meals is simple: if you love it, add more of it! Broccoli isn’t just a colorful addition; it’s packed with nutrients and provides a fantastic crisp-tender texture contrast to the soft rice and shrimp. This recipe ensures you get a generous helping of this vibrant green vegetable, making your meal more balanced and satisfying. Bring on the broccoli!

3. The Magic of Sweet Chili Sauce

While traditional General Tso’s sauce often relies on hoisin sauce for its distinctive flavor profile, I’ve opted for sweet chili sauce in this rendition. Why the change? Sweet chili sauce offers a wonderful blend of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes that are incredibly versatile and appealing. It’s also a pantry staple for many, especially if you’ve explored the numerous recipes using sweet chili sauce I’ve shared. While this might make some argue it leans more towards “sweet chili shrimp” than classic “General Tso’s,” the inspiration remains firmly rooted in that iconic dish. I promise you’ll still adore this version; in fact, I dare say my sweet chili-infused General Tso Shrimp might just become your new favorite!

Essential Ingredients for Your General Tso Shrimp

Creating this delicious shrimp with sweet chili sauce is straightforward, requiring a handful of accessible ingredients that come together to form a harmonious symphony of flavors. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• White Rice: The perfect canvas for soaking up every drop of that irresistible sweet and spicy sauce. Long-grain white rice is ideal for its fluffy texture, but you can also opt for jasmine rice or even brown rice for added fiber. Ensure you cook it perfectly to complement the saucy shrimp.
• Shrimp: The star of our dish! The size of shrimp can vary, but any raw shrimp will work beautifully. Look for shrimp that is already peeled and deveined for maximum convenience, which significantly cuts down on prep time. If you buy shell-on, you’ll need to do the peeling and deveining yourself. Always remember to pat your shrimp thoroughly dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and prevent steaming.
• Broccoli: An indispensable component for texture, color, and nutrition. Fresh broccoli florets are best, offering a crisp-tender bite. Feel free to use frozen broccoli in a pinch; just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base of our flavorful sauce. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing the soy sauce to provide the primary salty notes. Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: The cornerstone of our unique General Tso’s sauce. You can easily find bottled sweet chili sauce in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores, or you can venture to make a homemade version if you prefer. This sauce delivers a fantastic balance of sweetness, mild heat, and tanginess. For a more traditional General Tso’s flavor profile, you can substitute hoisin sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds that essential umami depth and savory saltiness characteristic of Asian cuisine. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to have better control over the final seasoning. For those with gluten sensitivities, tamari is an excellent gluten-free substitute.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: A common ingredient in Asian sauces, rice wine vinegar provides a crucial touch of acidity and brightness that balances the sweetness and richness. If you don’t have rice wine vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar can be used as a suitable substitute, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key in General Tso’s! Sugar helps to balance the acidity from the vinegar and the savoriness of the soy sauce, creating a well-rounded and appealing flavor. Adjust to your taste preferences.
• Cornstarch: The secret to achieving that perfectly glossy, thick sauce. Cornstarch is mixed with a bit of liquid (usually water or broth) to form a slurry, which is then added to the hot sauce to thicken it quickly and effectively.

How to Make General Tso Shrimp: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to bring the flavors of homemade General Tso’s Shrimp to your dinner table? This recipe is incredibly simple, breaking down into just a few easy steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together!

1. Prepare Your Rice: Start by cooking your white rice according to package directions, or follow the detailed instructions in the recipe card below. While the rice simmers, you can begin preparing the rest of the meal.
2. Steam the Broccoli: In a large skillet, add your chopped fresh broccoli along with a small amount of water (about ¼ cup) and a pinch of salt. Cover the skillet with a lid and steam the broccoli for 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness – crisp-tender is usually preferred. The water should evaporate by this point.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Once the broccoli is nearly done and the water has evaporated, add your patted-dry raw shrimp directly into the same skillet. Cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn opaque pink and are no longer transparent. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly.
4. Whisk the Sauce: While the shrimp cooks, whisk together the chicken broth, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a measuring cup or small bowl. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce.
5. Thicken and Serve: Pour the whisked sauce mixture directly into the skillet with the cooked shrimp and broccoli. Stir continuously as the sauce heats and begins to thicken, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once the sauce has reached a glossy, syrupy consistency, remove from heat immediately. Serve your delicious General Tso Shrimp generously over the fluffy white rice.

Any leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making this a great meal prep option!

Explore More Shrimp Recipes

Enjoyed the sweet and spicy kick of this General Tso Shrimp? If you’re a fellow shrimp enthusiast, you’re in luck! There are countless delicious and easy ways to prepare this fantastic seafood. Expand your culinary repertoire with these other tried-and-true shrimp recipes:

• Baked Coconut Shrimp: A healthier take on a crispy favorite, often served with a vibrant dipping sauce.
• Teriyaki Shrimp: Perfect for grilling season, these kabobs are packed with sweet and savory flavors.
• Spicy Beer Shrimp: A quick and flavorful dish, great for appetizers or a light meal.
• Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: Light, refreshing, and full of fresh flavors – an ideal healthy lunch or dinner.

First published March 24, 2014, updated with new insights and expanded details for an even better cooking experience.