If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch and brings the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine straight to your kitchen, this Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, with succulent shrimp coated in a irresistibly glossy, sticky sauce made from gochujang, the iconic Korean chili paste. What makes this recipe stand out is not only its bold taste but also its simplicity and quick preparation time, making it an absolute favorite for weeknight dinners or whenever you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe comes together beautifully with just a handful of simple, yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture that make this dish shine.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, these cook quickly and soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste): Adds spice, depth, and that classic fermented tang.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings necessary umami and saltiness to balance the heat.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Provides a subtle sweetness that softens the spice and caramelizes beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Lifts the flavors with a light, acidic brightness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that complements the shrimp exquisitely.
- 2 garlic cloves minced: Adds savory pungency that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Offers a warm, spicy undertone that pairs perfectly with garlic.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying the shrimp to a perfect sear.
- 1 green onion sliced: Fresh, crisp garnish that adds both color and mild onion flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional): Adds subtle crunch and a toasty finish.
How to Make Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl until smooth and well combined. This sauce is the heart of your Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe — it balances heat, sweetness, acidity, and umami, setting the stage for that unforgettable flavor.
Step 2: Ready the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels; this simple step ensures they sear properly instead of steaming. Having shrimp that are dry helps the sauce cling better while cooking and creates a lovely texture.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until their color turns pink and they start to curl slightly. This quick sear locks in juiciness while giving them a beautiful surface.
Step 4: Toss in the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp in the skillet. Stir continuously to coat every piece evenly. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling tightly to the shrimp. The heat will meld all those flavors into a harmonious, spicy glaze.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove your skillet from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. These final touches give your Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe a fresh pop of taste and an inviting look that makes every bite even more enjoyable.
How to Serve Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
While green onions and sesame seeds are classics, you can also experiment with fresh cilantro, thinly sliced red chili, or a wedge of lime on the side. Each garnish enhances the dish’s freshness or adds another layer of brightness and heat, elevating the entire experience.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up all that tasty sauce. For a lighter option, try noodles tossed in a sesame dressing or a crisp green salad with a zingy Asian-inspired vinaigrette. Pickled cucumbers or kimchi are also fantastic on the side, complementing the spicy Gochujang flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and casual meal, serve your Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe in lettuce wraps, letting everyone build their own bites. You could also pile the shrimp on top of a grain bowl filled with quinoa or farro, roasted vegetables, and a dollop of creamy yogurt or avocado for contrast. It’s a visually stunning and flavorful way to enjoy this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep their flavor and texture well for up to 2 days, making them perfect for next-day lunches or easy dinner rehabs.
Freezing
While shrimp don’t freeze as crisply when cooked, you can freeze the cooked shrimp with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to avoid overcooking.
Reheating
To reheat your Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe, warm it slowly in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This helps preserve the shrimp’s tenderness and keeps the sauce glossy and delicious without burning.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor for your Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends mostly on the amount of gochujang you use. Start with 2 tablespoons as the recipe suggests for a medium kick, but feel free to adjust up or down to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I substitute chicken or tofu in this recipe?
Yes! This Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe works beautifully with chicken or tofu as a protein alternative. Just tweak the cooking time accordingly to ensure perfect doneness.
Is gochujang readily available at regular grocery stores?
Gochujang has become popular worldwide and is often found in the Asian foods aisle of most supermarkets. If you can’t find it locally, it’s easy to purchase online or at specialty Korean markets.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be mixed in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a great way to save time and quickly whip up your Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe whenever you want.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about this Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s simple, vibrant, and full of character — a dish that brings joy in every bite and makes dinner feel special without hours in the kitchen. I can’t recommend enough that you try it soon and savor those bold, spicy, and sweet notes that shine through brilliantly.
Print
Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Spicy Gochujang Shrimp recipe delivers a flavorful Korean-inspired main course with tender shrimp coated in a savory, spicy sauce made from gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices. Quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Garnish
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth to create the flavorful sauce.
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they cook evenly and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they start to turn pink and opaque.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and stir well to coat all the shrimp evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer: Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are fully cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly, clinging to the shrimp.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onion and sesame seeds if using. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochujang used to suit your taste.
- For variation, substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu to adapt the recipe to different dietary preferences.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the shrimp in the sauce for 15–20 minutes before cooking.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
