Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that brings bold flavors and quick satisfaction to your dinner table, the Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe is an absolute winner. This mouthwatering creation pairs tender, juicy shrimp with a sticky, savory-sweet sauce that’s made with the fiery Korean chili paste gochujang. The balance of sweetness, spice, and tanginess makes every bite an exciting adventure, and it’s incredibly versatile—perfect spooned over rice, twirled with noodles, or even wrapped in crisp lettuce for a refreshing crunch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a fast favorite in your home kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step in making a dish that bursts with flavor. Each component in this Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe works together to build layers of taste and texture, from the sweetness of honey to the punch of garlic and ginger.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, shrimp cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil: Used for sautéing, it provides a neutral base that lets the shrimp shine.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds fragrant depth and a little bit of savory heat.
- 1 tsp ginger (grated): Offers a fresh, zesty note that pairs perfectly with the chili paste.
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste): The essence of this recipe, delivering sweetness, spice, and umami all at once.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Brings a salty, savory balance to the glaze.
- 1 tbsp honey: Sweetness that mellows the heat and enhances the sticky texture.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a bright tang to brighten up the rich sauce.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: A nutty aroma that finishes the dish with warmth.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Subtle heat that complements the chili without overpowering it.
- 1 green onion (sliced): A fresh, crisp garnish that adds a pop of color.
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish): Toasted crunch that rounds out the experience beautifully.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper in a small bowl. This magical sauce is what gives the dish its signature sweet and spicy kick, so take a moment to mix it well and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until the kitchen is filled with their delicious aroma but before they brown. This step builds the flavor base so your shrimp will have that irresistible savory warmth.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. The shrimp should be tender and juicy, and cooking them just right ensures they don’t get rubbery. This quick cooking also helps the shrimp to lock in moisture, preparing them to soak up the sauce perfectly.
Step 4: Coat and Simmer
Pour your prepared sauce over the shrimp and toss everything together to coat each piece evenly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to each shrimp like a glossy, flavorful glaze. Keep an eye on the skillet so the sauce reduces just right without burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat, then sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the shrimp. These final touches add fresh color, crunch, and a subtle toasted flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness and spice of the dish. Serve it hot and get ready to dive into your new favorite seafood delight.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make this Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe not only look inviting but also elevate the taste. Using sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds is a classic choice, but feel free to add thinly sliced red chilies for extra color and heat or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh, herbal twist.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve the shrimp over steamed white rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. For a lighter option, wrap the shrimp and sauce in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing hand-held bite, or pair it with simple stir-fried vegetables that balance the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Consider serving the shrimp atop a bed of Asian-style noodle salad or stuffing them inside rice paper rolls with crunchy veggies. You can also turn this into a fabulous taco-style meal by placing the shrimp in small corn tortillas and topping with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime for a tantalizing fusion dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day. Make sure to consume within 2 days for the best texture and taste.
Freezing
While shrimp generally freeze well, freezing this prepared dish isn’t ideal because the sauce’s texture might change upon thawing. If you want to freeze shrimp for later use, it’s better to freeze them raw and prepare the sauce fresh next time you make the Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the sauce from drying out. A quick reheat is all it takes to revive this delightful dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan. Using fresh or thawed shrimp ensures the best texture and sauce adherence.
How spicy is this Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted by the amount of gochujang you add. Start with the recommended 2 tablespoons and add more if you love your dishes with a bigger kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free from gluten.
Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?
Yes! This sauce pairs wonderfully with chicken, tofu, or even firm white fish. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to make sure your protein is cooked through and tender.
What should I serve with this dish?
Steamed rice, quinoa, or lettuce wraps are classic choices, but roasted or stir-fried vegetables also complement the flavors beautifully. The goal is to balance the bold shrimp with fresh, simple sides.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe is a fantastic way to add a burst of exciting flavors to your weeknight meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and packed with amazing layers of taste that will keep you coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your friends—it’s one of those dishes that turns dinner into a small celebration every time.
Print
Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Description
Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp is a bold and flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp coated in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce made from gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices. Ready in just minutes, it’s perfect served over rice, noodles, or wrapped in crisp lettuce for a satisfying meal with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Garnish
- 1 green onion (sliced)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper until fully combined. Set aside.
- Sauté aromatics. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant and golden.
- Cook the shrimp. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook each side for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, signaling they are cooked through.
- Add the sauce. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes sticky.
- Finish and serve. Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty meal or use lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan variation.
- Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
