Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
If you’re in need of a weeknight dinner that’s bold, quick, and absolutely irresistible, this Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp is about to become your new obsession! Imagine juicy shrimp tossed in a sticky, fiery-sweet Korean chili glaze, finished off with a confetti of green onions and sesame seeds. There’s so much flavor packed into every bite—spicy, garlicky, a touch of honeyed sweetness, balanced with a pop of tang from rice vinegar. It’s stunningly simple, but tastes like something you’d order from your favorite Korean restaurant. Let this Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp wow your tastebuds and spice up your go-to dinner routine!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy meal that’s bursting with color and flavor. Each component matters, so be sure to grab the freshest shrimp and brightest aromatics you can find. Here’s what makes this dish truly shine:
- Shrimp: Look for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the juiciest, meatiest bite—they cook in minutes and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): This is the heart of the dish, bringing that signature deep, savory heat and gorgeous red hue.
- Soy sauce: Adds essential umami and saltiness—opt for a gluten-free version if needed.
- Honey or maple syrup: Either one will give that sticky sweetness that perfectly balances out the spice.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of this brightens up the sauce and keeps things refreshing.
- Sesame oil: Just a touch adds unmistakable nutty aroma and richness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with sharp, savory depth.
- Ginger: Grated fresh ginger brings gentle heat and a zesty lift.
- Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing, it lets you sear the shrimp quickly for perfect texture.
- Sesame seeds: These are your crunchy, nutty finishing touch.
- Chopped green onions: Their vibrant color and subtle sharpness make every bite pop.
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp
Step 1: Whisk Up the Flavor-Packed Sauce
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This magical sauce is what transforms plain shrimp into your Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp masterpiece. Adjust the gochujang level for your desired intensity—you’re the boss of your spice!
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook for about 2 minutes per side. You’re looking for that moment when they turn pink and opaque—quick cooking keeps them tender and succulent!
Step 3: Glaze and Caramelize
Pour your homemade gochujang sauce over the shrimp and give everything a quick, gentle toss to coat. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for another minute or two, coating every shrimp in a glossy, sticky glaze that clings. Don’t walk away—the magic happens fast!
Step 4: Finish with Texture and Color
Take the pan off the heat and shower your Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This last touch adds freshness, crunch, and visual appeal. Serve immediately for maximum wow factor!
How to Serve Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you get to sprinkle a bit of edible magic over your Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp. A generous handful of sliced green onions is a must, bringing both bite and color. Finish with toasted sesame seeds for crunch and nuttiness. If you’re feeling extra, a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro takes it over the top.
Side Dishes
Nothing soaks up that vibrant sauce quite like steaming hot jasmine or sticky rice. You can also serve the shrimp over a bed of bouncy noodles, or keep things crisp and light with a quick stir-fried veggie medley. Kimchi, pickled cucumbers, or a refreshing Asian slaw are all fantastic friends for your Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow at the dinner table, pile them high on a sizzling platter for a family-style feast, or thread the shrimp onto skewers for a playful appetizer. Toss them with rice noodles for an instant noodle bowl, or wrap them in lettuce leaves for crunchy, handheld lettuce wraps. There are so many ways to let Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store them in an airtight container, and try to keep some extra sauce for reheating, if you can—it helps keep the shrimp juicy and packed with flavor.
Freezing
Shrimp in sauce can be frozen, but for the best texture, freeze the shrimp and sauce separately. Place cooled shrimp and sauce in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a speedy weeknight meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long or using high heat—shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked.
FAQs
How spicy is Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp?
The dish strikes a lovely balance between heat and sweetness, but you can control the fire by adding more or less gochujang. For serious spice lovers, a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced chilies can really turn up the heat!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking so they sear rather than steam. Frozen shrimp are a weeknight lifesaver when you’re craving Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp fast.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It absolutely can be! Simply swap regular soy sauce for your favorite gluten-free brand and double-check that your gochujang is also gluten-free. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and low-carb, too.
Can I substitute something for shrimp?
Definitely! The bold sauce is just as delicious on chunks of white fish, cubes of tofu, or even thin slices of chicken breast. Adjust cooking time as needed for your chosen protein.
What’s the best way to make this dish ahead?
You can whisk together the sauce a day ahead and even marinate the shrimp for up to an hour in the fridge. Cook everything just before serving to keep the shrimp perfectly tender and the glaze saucy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a meal that’s quick, fun, and totally packed with flavor, you’ll fall in love with Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp. Each bite is a celebration of spice, sweetness, and zing, with a hint of smoky depth you just can’t get enough of. Gather your favorite sides and treat yourself to a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is thrilling to eat!
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Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp recipe combines succulent shrimp with a flavorful Korean-inspired sauce that’s both sweet and fiery. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Gochujang Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Mix Gochujang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Add Sauce: Pour the gochujang sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Finish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust gochujang amount for desired spice level.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes.
- Pairs well with steamed vegetables or salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces shrimp with sauce
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1 gram
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 22 grams
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
