If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and simple elegance, this Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table tonight. The vibrant heat of gochujang combined with the subtle sweetness of honey creates an irresistible glaze that perfectly complements tender, juicy shrimp. With just a handful of ingredients and under 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is your new go-to when you want something impressive yet effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but impactful ingredients sets you up for a winning dish where every element has a job. Each one brings a vital piece to the flavor puzzle, creating that balanced sweet and spicy profile while contributing texture, color, or depth.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show, providing a tender, juicy canvas for the sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil: Helps sear the shrimp beautifully to get a perfect crust.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances natural shrimp flavors and balances the spice.
- 2 tbsp gochujang: Korean chili paste that delivers the dish’s signature sweet and spicy kick.
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup): Adds a luscious sweetness that mellows the heat.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Provides savory umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Lifts the flavors with a slight tangy brightness.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Offers a toasty, nutty aroma that rounds out the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and flavor.
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional): Adds zing and complexity to the sauce.
- 1–2 tsp water (to thin sauce, if needed): Ensures a perfect glaze consistency for tossing.
- Sesame seeds: For garnish, lending crunch and visual appeal.
- Sliced green onions: Adds freshness and a pop of color as a finishing touch.
- Lime wedges: To brighten and enhance with a squeeze of citrus at the table.
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your large shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to get a nice sear when cooking. Lightly season them with salt and pepper to bring out their natural sweetness without overpowering the sauce to come.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Gochujang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger if you’re using it. Whisk everything well until smooth. If the mixture feels too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of water until you reach a glossy, pourable consistency—this sauce is where all the magic happens!
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat your tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes until they’re pink and lightly seared. This quick cooking keeps them juicy and tender, the perfect base for the glaze.
Step 4: Toss Shrimp in Sauce and Simmer
Reduce the heat to medium and pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat every piece abundantly, then let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. This simmer thickens the sauce into a shiny, luscious glaze that clings beautifully to the shrimp.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the shrimp for texture and freshness. A quick squeeze of lime juice just before serving adds a zesty brightness that lifts the entire dish.
How to Serve Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe with sesame seeds and sliced green onions goes beyond decoration—they add delightful crunch and a vibrant contrast to the tender shrimp. Don’t skip that fresh lime wedge either; the citrus juice cuts through the sauce’s richness and elevates each bite.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed sticky rice to soak up every bit of the glaze. For a low-carb option, try serving it with a crisp cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy dressed lightly with sesame oil and garlic. The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes matches beautifully with simple sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe in lettuce cups topped with pickled carrots and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a fun hand-held appetizer. Or pile the shrimp over a bed of cold soba noodles tossed with cucumbers and sesame seeds for a refreshing twist that’s perfect for warmer days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s unlikely they’ll last long), store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, but be sure to cool them completely before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While shrimp tend to lose some of their ideal texture after freezing and reheating, you can freeze cooked shrimp coated in the gochujang sauce if needed. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and consume within one month for the best taste.
Reheating
To reheat your Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent rubbery shrimp. Adding a splash of water can help loosen up the sauce and keep everything moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. This ensures even searing and prevents excess moisture from diluting the sauce.
Is gochujang very spicy?
Gochujang has a moderate level of heat but is balanced with sweetness and fermented umami, making it approachable. You can adjust the amount to suit your preferred spice level.
Can I make this Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe vegan?
You can! Substitute the shrimp with firm tofu or large mushrooms and use a vegan-friendly honey alternative or maple syrup in the sauce for a similar sweet and spicy flavor profile.
What can I use if I don’t have rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work as substitutes, though rice vinegar has a milder, slightly sweet acidity that complements this recipe best.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly?
Shrimp cooks very quickly—when it turns pink and opaque with a slight firmness to the touch, it’s done. Overcooking can make it rubbery, so keep a close eye as it only takes a couple of minutes per side.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe combines simplicity with bold flavors in such an effortless way that it quickly becomes a favorite to make again and again. I encourage you to dive in and experience the perfect harmony of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness firsthand. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this dish will bring joy and flavor to your table every time.
Print
Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
This Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness with tender shrimp coated in a flavorful Korean gochujang sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy skillet-cooked dish garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, and a zesty lime finish, ideal for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1–2 tsp water (to thin sauce, if needed)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper to ensure they sear nicely and enhance their natural flavor.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water if the sauce is too thick to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat the 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 turn pink and are lightly seared for a flavorful crust.
- Coat and simmer: Reduce heat to medium and pour the prepared gochujang sauce into the skillet. Toss the shrimp to coat evenly and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, enhancing the glaze on the shrimp.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the shrimp with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of gochujang based on your preferred spice level.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly alternative.
- If you don’t have rice vinegar, a mild vinegar or lemon juice can be substituted.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted peanuts or cashews as a topping.
