Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe

If you are craving a dish that effortlessly balances bold heat and a touch of sweetness, look no further than this Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that turns everyday shrimp into something extraordinary with a luscious gochujang-based sauce. Whether you’re hungry for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping appetizer, this recipe brings a perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors that will have you reaching for seconds every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the delicious flavor and texture of this dish. Each component is simple but essential, combining to create a sauce that’s as vibrant in color as it is in taste, while the shrimp delivers that satisfying succulence you want.

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish providing tender, juicy bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
• 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil: For searing the shrimp to a light golden crust that locks in flavor.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasoning to enhance the natural seafood flavor.
• 2 tbsp gochujang: This Korean chili paste delivers the iconic sweet and spicy punch central to the recipe.
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup): Balances the heat with a delightful sweetness.
• 1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds a deep, savory umami note.
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a subtle tang that wakes up the palate.
• 1 tsp sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that complements the shrimp beautifully.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a fragrant, pungent kick that rounds out the sauce.
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional): Lends warmth and a slight zestiness to the mix.
• 1–2 tsp water (to thin sauce, if needed): Adjusts the sauce consistency for perfect coating.
• Sesame seeds: For garnish, adding crunch and visual appeal.
• Sliced green onions: Freshness and color to finish the dish.
• Lime wedges: Adds a bright squeeze of acidity just before eating.

How to Make Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels—this is crucial to getting a beautiful sear rather than steaming them in the pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning lays the foundation for the bold flavors that follow.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and fresh grated ginger if you’re using it. Whisk everything together until smooth and cohesive. If the sauce feels too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water to reach a pourable consistency that will coat the shrimp evenly.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the shrimp in a single layer—it’s important not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turns pink and develops a lovely light sear. This quick cooking preserves their juicy texture.

Step 4: Coat with Sauce and Simmer

Lower the heat to medium, then pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat every piece well. Let everything simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and takes on a shiny, glossy finish. This step is where the magic happens as flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Immediately sprinkle the shrimp with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. A fresh squeeze of lime juice on top brings all the flavors into a tantalizing harmony. Serve right away while it’s warm and bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Adding sesame seeds and sliced green onions right before serving not only looks amazing but adds contrasting textures and layers of flavor. The brightness from a squeeze of lime juice uplifts the entire dish, giving that final hint of freshness that’s simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

This Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, try serving it over a bed of sautéed veggies or fresh greens like baby spinach or kale. A cucumber salad or simple slaw also provides a crisp counterpoint to the rich sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond a traditional plate! Skewer the shrimp for an easy-to-eat appetizer at your next gathering, or stuff them into lettuce wraps for a refreshing handheld snack. Drizzle extra sauce over roasted sweet potatoes for a wildly delicious twist. Presentation can be playful and bold just like the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If there are any leftovers of this Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Try to consume within 2 days to maintain the shrimp’s tender texture and vibrant sauce flavor.

Freezing

While shrimp generally don’t freeze well after cooking due to texture changes, if needed, you can freeze the leftover shrimp and sauce separately before cooking next time. When you’re ready, thaw fully and briefly reheat to avoid overcooking.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat just until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent them from becoming rubbery. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce can restore moisture during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to get a good sear and prevent excess water in your pan.

How spicy is this Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe?

The heat level is moderate and balanced by the sweetness from honey and tanginess from rice vinegar. You can adjust by adding more or less gochujang depending on your spice tolerance.

What can I substitute for gochujang?

If you don’t have gochujang, a mix of chili paste with a touch of miso paste or even a thick chili garlic sauce can be used, though the flavor will vary slightly from the original.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can be made gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

To keep the Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe plant-based, swap shrimp for tofu or cauliflower florets and cook using the same sauce. It’s a fantastic alternative that still delivers bold flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes whenever I crave something vibrant, fast, and packed with flavor. It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can transform shrimp into a culinary experience that’s both comforting and exciting. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your own kitchen, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all to yourself!

Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe

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4 from 36 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp recipe delivers a quick and vibrant meal featuring succulent shrimp coated in a flavorful Korean chili paste-based sauce. Combining the spicy kick of gochujang with the sweetness of honey and the tang of rice vinegar, this dish is perfectly balanced and garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, and fresh lime for brightness. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy stovetop recipe ideal for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

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Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1–2 tsp water (to thin sauce, if needed)

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure a good sear. Lightly season with salt and pepper for basic seasoning.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger if using. Add 1–2 teaspoons of water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
3. Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a light sear.
4. Add and simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to medium, pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp, and toss to coat evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, fully enveloping the shrimp.
5. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the shrimp. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges for squeezing on top to add brightness.

Notes

• To adjust spice level, modify the amount of gochujang or add a pinch of sugar for extra sweetness.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly alternative.
• If you prefer milder shrimp, reduce the gochujang quantity or omit fresh ginger.
• Serve over steamed rice or with a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Korean