Description
This Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp recipe is a vibrant Korean-inspired dish combining succulent shrimp with a flavorful sauce made from gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Quick and easy to prepare, it offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep served alongside steamed rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Aromatics
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and a small amount of water until smooth. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onion. Sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant and aromatic, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, ensuring they are tender and juicy.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer and Thicken: Let the shrimp and sauce simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the shrimp, enhancing the rich flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with the green onion tops and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang according to your preference.
- This dish cooks quickly, so prep all ingredients before starting.
- Great for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping with rice, quinoa, or noodles.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Can be garnished with extra sesame seeds or fresh herbs like cilantro for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
