Get ready to fall in love with a dish that perfectly balances heat and sweetness: the Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe is a vibrant Korean-inspired meal that delivers big flavor in just minutes. With succulent shrimp coated in a luscious sauce made from gochujang, honey, and a touch of tangy rice vinegar, this recipe is a brilliant fusion of bold spices and subtle sweetness that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or sharing it with friends, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe plays a vital role in crafting a balanced, flavorful meal. From the heat of the gochujang to the fragrant garlic and ginger, every component adds depth and richness to the final dish.
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that complements the spiciness beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic minced: Brings a savory punch that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated: Offers a refreshing, slightly spicy zing to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste): The star of the show, providing the perfect sweet and spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and rounds out the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces a subtle tang that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar: Enhances caramel notes and balances the heat.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking): Used to crisp the shrimp perfectly without overpowering the sauce.
- 1 green onion sliced: Freshens the dish with a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds: Adds crunch and a toasty finish.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This marinade is the heart of the Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe, infusing every bite with layers of flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly. Let the shrimp soak up these vibrant flavors by marinating for 10 to 15 minutes. This short time gives the shrimp a perfect balance of zest without overpowering its natural sweetness.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Lay the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.
Step 4: Finish with the marinade
Pour any leftover marinade into the skillet and cook for an additional minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the shrimp. This final step intensifies the dish’s sweet and spicy personality, making every bite irresistible.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for freshness and a delightful crunch. Your Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds are classic garnishes that elevate the presentation and texture, but feel free to add a squeeze of lime or a dash of chopped cilantro for an extra burst of brightness and herbal aroma that beautifully complements the spicy-sweet flavor.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice are perfect partners to soak up the flavorful sauce of this recipe. For vegetables, lightly steamed bok choy, stir-fried snap peas, or roasted broccoli add color, crunch, and freshness that balance the richness of the shrimp beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this shrimp over a bed of chilled soba noodles tossed in sesame oil for a refreshing twist. Alternatively, try wrapping the shrimp in crisp lettuce leaves to create handheld bites, turning the Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe into a fun appetizer or light meal that is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to intensify overnight, making your leftovers even more delicious. Be sure to keep the shrimp separate from any rice or vegetables to maintain texture.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp can be tricky because it may alter the texture, so it’s best to freeze raw marinated shrimp if you want to save time for a future meal. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking following the recipe steps.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid rubbery shrimp. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating is possible but may result in uneven warmth and a less tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure the best texture and flavor absorption for your Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level mainly depends on the amount of gochujang you use. If you prefer milder heat, reduce the gochujang slightly and balance with a little extra honey or brown sugar. For spice lovers, feel free to add a bit more for a fiery kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of this Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe without compromising flavor.
Is this suitable for a quick dinner?
Definitely. With just about 16 minutes total time from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
What can I substitute if I don’t have gochujang?
While gochujang gives this recipe its unique character, you can experiment with a mix of chili paste and a touch of miso paste to replicate the sweet, spicy, and umami notes. However, the authentic flavor shines brightest with the real Korean chili paste.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s both quick to make and exploding with vibrant flavors, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try the Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special celebration on your plate every time, without any fuss. Once you make it, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation, bringing joy and excitement to your kitchen time.
Print
Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp is a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring large shrimp marinated in a vibrant blend of gochujang, garlic, ginger, and honey. Cooked on the stovetop to perfection, this dish balances spicy, sweet, and tangy notes, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Ideal for a fast, tasty main course served with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
Garnish
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and sesame oil until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
- Cook the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour any remaining marinade from the bowl into the skillet with the shrimp and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the shrimp with sliced green onion and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less gochujang according to your heat preference.
- For extra freshness, serve with lime wedges or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
- This dish cooks very quickly; ensure all ingredients are prepped before starting to maintain smooth cooking.
