If you’re craving a dish that packs an exciting punch of flavor while staying quick and easy to prepare, you will absolutely fall in love with this Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe. It’s a vibrant marriage of fiery gochujang, zesty lime, and honey’s subtle sweetness, all coating tender, succulent shrimp that cook up in just minutes. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with bold Asian-inspired flavors, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of spice, tang, and richness that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient bringing something unique to create a harmonious, flavorful dish. Every component works in concert to enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness, the sauce’s bold heat, and the final presentation’s vibrant appeal.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp provide a tender and juicy base with a naturally sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with spicy sauce.
- 2 tbsp gochujang: This Korean chili paste offers smoky heat and umami depth that’s essential for that signature spice level.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a punch of aromatic warmth and sharpness, perfectly complementing the spicy sauce.
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Brings savory saltiness without overpowering, helping to balance the flavors.
- 1 tbsp honey: Provides a touch of natural sweetness to mellow out the chili’s intensity.
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed): Offers bright acidity that sharpens the taste and lifts all other ingredients.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Delivers a rich, nutty aroma that adds another layer of depth and warmth.
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish): Brings a fresh, crisp bite and a pop of color to finish the dish beautifully.
- Cooked basmati rice or noodles (for serving): Perfect carriers to soak up the delicious sauce, rounding out the meal.
How to Make Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by collecting all your ingredients and prepping the shrimp and aromatics. Peeling and deveining your shrimp ahead of time ensures an even cook and makes tossing with sauce later stress-free.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the gochujang, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, freshly squeezed lime juice, and sesame oil. Whisk these together until smooth so every shrimp will get perfectly coated with that luscious, spicy glaze.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer to get a nice sear and cook them undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque—this is where that succulent texture develops.
Step 4: Add Garlic for Maximum Flavor
During the last minute of cooking, toss in the minced garlic. Stir it gently to release its fragrant aroma without burning it, infusing the shrimp with irresistible garlicky goodness.
Step 5: Coat with Sauce
Pour your prepared gochujang sauce over the shrimp in the skillet. Cook everything together for an additional minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to every piece of shrimp in sticky, spicy perfection.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Garnished
Transfer the shrimp and sauce onto a bed of fluffy basmati rice or your favorite noodles. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, zesty crunch and a beautiful visual finish.
How to Serve Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are an obvious must-have for their bright flavor and texture, but you can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro leaves to amp up the visual appeal and add a nutty or herby contrast.
Side Dishes
This Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every bit of sauce. For a lighter option, try serving alongside sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach, or even crunchy cucumber salad to cool the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp in warm lettuce cups to make handheld spicy bites. You can also toss the shrimp with cold noodles and fresh veggies for a flavorful spicy shrimp salad that’s perfect for warmer days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Since shrimp cooks quickly, it’s best to consume it fresh to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp isn’t ideal as it can alter texture, but if needed, freeze it tightly wrapped in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or extra lime juice while warming helps retain moisture and refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw, peel, and devein the shrimp before cooking. Pat them dry to ensure a good sear and prevent excess moisture in the pan.
How spicy is this Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to the gochujang chili paste, which provides a smoky, slightly sweet heat rather than pure fiery spice, making it accessible for most palates.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes! If you prefer it milder, simply reduce the amount of gochujang or add a bit more honey to balance the heat. For extra kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
What can I substitute if I don’t have gochujang?
If gochujang is unavailable, you can mix a combination of chili paste with a touch of miso paste and honey to mimic the sweet, spicy, and umami profile, though the authentic flavor is best achieved with gochujang itself.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of traditional soy sauce to keep this Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe safe for gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone looking to whip up something deliciously bold and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Its effortless preparation and vibrant flavors make it a go-to meal for busy nights or casual get-togethers. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite dishes to share with loved ones!
Print
Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
Experience the bold and spicy flavors of Korean cuisine with this quick and easy Spicy Gochujang Shrimp recipe. Perfectly cooked shrimp are tossed in a savory, sweet, and tangy gochujang sauce, finished with fresh garlic and garnished with green onions. Served over steamed basmati rice or noodles, this vibrant dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Cooking
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Garnish and Serving
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather and prepare all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process, including peeling and deveining the shrimp, mincing garlic, and chopping green onions.
- Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together gochujang, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, freshly squeezed lime juice, and sesame oil until fully combined to create a balanced and flavorful sauce.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through.
- Add Garlic: During the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant without burning, enhancing the dish’s aroma and flavor.
- Coat Shrimp with Sauce: Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the shrimp in the skillet. Toss and cook for an additional minute to ensure the shrimp are fully coated and the sauce is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the shrimp to plates or bowls over cooked basmati rice or noodles. Garnish generously with chopped green onions to add a fresh contrast and vibrant color. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of gochujang or add a bit more honey to balance the heat.
- This recipe works well with other proteins like chicken or tofu if you want a variation.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
