If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and is both vibrant and satisfying, this Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. The combination of tender shrimp coated in a luscious, perfectly balanced sauce that delivers a kick of heat with a gentle sweetness will quickly become your new go-to for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings. It’s simple to prepare, full of color, and packed with bold Korean-inspired flavors that will wake up your taste buds in the best possible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in giving the dish its exciting layers of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll love how easy it is to put everything together and how each element enhances the final result.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender, juicy, and quick-cooking, shrimp is the star protein here.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for frying and helps the sauce cling to the shrimp.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Brings subtle warmth and a refreshing zing.
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional for garnish): Adds vibrant color and a fresh, mild onion flavor to finish.
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste): The heart of the dish, delivering that signature sweet and spicy depth.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Grounds the flavor with salty umami richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar): Brings a mellow sweetness that balances the heat.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a bit of tang to brighten the sauce and cut through richness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Offers a toasty, nutty aroma that rounds out the sauce perfectly.
- 1–2 teaspoons water: Helps thin the sauce slightly for easy coating of shrimp if needed.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water in a small bowl. This vibrant sauce is where the magic begins, balancing spicy heat, tanginess, and sweetness in every bite. Setting it aside allows the flavors to meld while you get the shrimp ready.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking and stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step releases their essential oils and forms a flavorful base that will infuse the shrimp with a warm and inviting aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet, leaving them undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps develop a slight sear and beautiful color. Flip them carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until they just start turning pink and opaque. The shrimp should be plump and tender, not rubbery or overcooked.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Toss
Pour your prepared sauce over the shrimp and toss them gently to coat every piece. Let it cook together for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly, clinging beautifully to each succulent morsel.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast. This simple garnish adds a pop of color and an extra layer of mild onion flavor to complement the rich sauce. Your Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe is now ready to wow!
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are a classic choice, but you can also add toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or thin slices of red chili if you want to amp up the heat and the visual appeal. These small touches elevate the dish and cater it perfectly to your taste.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up all that amazing sauce. For something lighter, try serving it with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or bell peppers. Noodles tossed with a little sesame oil and scallions also make a fantastic side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp over a bed of creamy mashed sweet potatoes, or toss them with cold noodles and crunchy cucumber for a refreshing salad-like meal. You can even pile the shrimp into lettuce cups for a handheld treat that’s perfect for parties or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe (though it’s hard to resist eating it all), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or busy evenings.
Freezing
While shrimp generally freezes well, the sauce’s texture might change slightly when thawed. If you want to freeze this dish, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within a month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for gentlest reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery, but if you must, use short bursts on low power and stir frequently.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking and pat them dry to ensure they sear properly and don’t release too much moisture during cooking.
How spicy is the Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted by changing the amount of gochujang or balancing it with more honey. It offers a pleasant kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
You can substitute shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh and double-check that your gochujang is vegan-friendly. The sauce and aromatics still pack plenty of flavor for a satisfying plant-based dish.
What other vegetables work well in this recipe?
Bell peppers, snap peas, baby spinach, or shredded carrots add great texture and color. Add them during the garlic and ginger sauté stage for perfectly cooked veggies.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and confirm that your gochujang is gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend the Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe enough — it’s one of those dishes that feels both exciting and comforting, perfect for any occasion. The quick prep time means you can enjoy incredible Korean-inspired flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Sweet and 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-Inspired
Description
Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Shrimp is a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dish that features succulent shrimp tossed in a vibrant gochujang-based sauce. The combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Aromatics
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1–2 teaspoons water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water until well combined. Set this aside while you cook the shrimp.
- Heat Oil and Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they begin to turn pink but are not fully cooked through yet.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to cook fully and the sauce to thicken slightly and glaze the shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the shrimp for garnish. Serve immediately, ideally over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness or spiciness by altering the amount of honey or gochujang according to your preference.
- This dish cooks very quickly, so be sure to prep all your ingredients ahead of time to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- For extra veggies, add bell peppers or snap peas to the skillet along with the shrimp.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve hot to enjoy the full flavors and texture of the sauce glazed shrimp.
