If you are craving a burst of bold flavors that dance on your tongue, this Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances the fiery kick of Korean chili paste with a touch of honey’s sweetness, creating a glaze that clings lovingly to tender shrimp. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish delivers excitement with every bite and is guaranteed to become one of your favorites fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe are straightforward but incredibly important, contributing a harmony of taste, texture, and vibrant color that makes the dish shine.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp ensure a tender yet slightly firm bite that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for sautéing the shrimp without overpowering the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste): The heart of the recipe, this paste offers spicy, sweet, and umami notes in one spoonful.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a salty, savory depth that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness for that irresistible glaze.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty aroma and flavor that is classic in Korean cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic provides sharpness and warmth, essential for layering flavor.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a zingy freshness and slight peppery note that enhances the spicy profile.
- 1 green onion (sliced): For a mild onion flavor and pop of color as garnish.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds: Adds crunch and nutty fragrance to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by combining the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Whisk everything until the sauce is smooth and well blended. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse that transforms ordinary shrimp into a sensational meal.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking, and let them sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp is just cooked through and has developed a slight golden crust.
Step 3: Glaze the Shrimp
Lower the heat to medium, then pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the shrimp. Toss gently so each piece is coated in that luscious sauce. Continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling like a flavorful glaze. This step is where all the magic happens!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onion and toasted sesame seeds on top. These finishing touches add freshness, texture, and a pop of color that makes the dish irresistible.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds elevate the dish’s appearance and add an extra layer of flavor and crunch that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with fresh lettuce wraps or alongside sautéed vegetables like bok choy or snap peas for a vibrant, healthy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these shrimp over a bed of garlic noodles or tossed with crunchy cabbage salad for an exciting twist. You can also skewer the shrimp and serve as a party appetizer, drizzled with extra glaze and sprinkled with sesame seeds for that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. They will stay fresh for up to two days and remain delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, it’s best to freeze them uncooked if possible for optimal texture after thawing. If freezing cooked shrimp with sauce, place them in a freezer-safe container and use within one month to maintain flavor and quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat to preserve the shrimp’s tender texture and avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of water or a little oil can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking so they sear nicely and the sauce sticks better.
How spicy is the Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe?
This recipe has a moderate heat level from the gochujang, but you can easily adjust it by adding extra chili paste or red pepper flakes if you like it hotter.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Using tamari instead of soy sauce keeps this dish gluten-free. Check the gochujang label as some brands may contain wheat.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
You can swap shrimp for tofu or mushrooms, and the sauce works just as well, creating a similarly addictive sweet and spicy flavor profile.
What are some good beverage pairings?
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, light beers, or refreshing iced green tea to balance the spice and sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have all the secrets to this vibrant Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe, it’s time to get cooking and bring these stunning flavors into your kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish promises the perfect combination of heat, sweetness, and savory delight that will keep your taste buds dancing back for more. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp cooked in a flavorful Korean-inspired sauce made from gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices. The shrimp are pan-seared to perfection and glazed with a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Garnished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds, this dish is quick to prepare and delicious served over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Cooking
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot skillet. Cook the shrimp undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and slightly golden. Flip the shrimp and cook the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until they are just cooked through.
- Glaze with sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce over the cooked shrimp. Toss well to coat each shrimp evenly with the sauce. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and glaze the shrimp beautifully.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the glazed shrimp with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve the dish hot accompanied by jasmine rice, noodles, or vegetables as desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or increase the amount of gochujang in the sauce.
- This dish pairs excellently with jasmine rice for a traditional side or can be served in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to maintain a tender and juicy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
