Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that will truly wake up your weeknight dinner routine, look no further than Spicy Gochujang Shrimp. This bold, Korean-inspired main comes together quickly but delivers serious flavor: juicy shrimp bathed in a punchy gochujang sauce, underscored by hints of ginger, sesame, and a sweet touch of honey. Each bite bursts with savory, spicy depth, making it a perfect fit for both quick solo suppers and lively dinner parties. Ready in just over fifteen minutes, Spicy Gochujang Shrimp will instantly become a go-to in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of fresh and pantry ingredients, this dish is fuss-free yet packed with layers of flavor. Each ingredient adds something special—spice, umami, sweetness, or crunch—to create a perfectly balanced Spicy Gochujang Shrimp you’ll crave again and again.
- Shrimp: Opt for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the juiciest, easiest-to-eat results.
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): The star of the show! Adds spicy-sweet complexity and an unmistakable red hue.
- Soy sauce: Brings a boost of savory umami and enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Honey or maple syrup: A touch of sweetness balances gochujang’s heat and adds glossy shine to the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Adds nuttiness and deep aroma—absolutely essential for authentic flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with savory pungency; don’t skip fresh garlic if you can help it.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Adds zesty warmth and a subtle kick—the key to depth in your sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Gives the marinade a bright, tangy edge that makes every bite pop.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkled on at the end for crunch and delicate nuttiness.
- Green onions (sliced): Freshness and color, plus a light onion bite.
- Salt and pepper: To taste— adjust as needed for perfectly seasoned shrimp.
How to Make Spicy Gochujang Shrimp
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and rice vinegar. Whisk until smooth and everything is nicely blended. This is where all the magic starts—the aroma alone will have your mouth watering!
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp straight into the marinade, tossing gently so every piece is thoroughly coated. Let the shrimp soak up all those bold flavors for 10 to 15 minutes. This quick marination gives Spicy Gochujang Shrimp its deep, layered taste without any hassle.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high until it’s nice and hot. Add the marinated shrimp, arranging them in a single layer. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side; you’ll see them turn beautifully pink and just opaque. Be careful not to overcook—the shrimp are ready once they curl into little Cs and look juicy!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
As soon as the shrimp are off the heat, immediately sprinkle them with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Both add color, texture, and a burst of freshness. Serve your Spicy Gochujang Shrimp piping hot, ideally over fluffy white rice or slippery noodles to catch every last drop of sauce.
How to Serve Spicy Gochujang Shrimp
Garnishes
Top your shrimp with a final flurry of sesame seeds and green onions—the contrast of nutty crunch and crisp freshness makes each bite pop. A squeeze of lime juice just before serving adds brilliant brightness and balances the heat, so keep wedges on the side for anyone who wants a citrusy lift.
Side Dishes
Spicy Gochujang Shrimp shines with a bed of steamed jasmine or sticky rice, allowing the sauce to soak in and amplify every mouthful. For a lighter meal, try it over cold soba noodles or alongside simple stir-fried veggies such as bok choy or snap peas. Quick pickled cucumbers or kimchi add a refreshing, tangy contrast to the warm, spicy shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
Take presentation up a notch by skewering the shrimp and finishing them on the grill for a smoky, charred twist; this also makes for a fantastic party appetizer. For a fun weeknight taco night, pile the spicy shrimp into lettuce cups or warm tortillas and top with crunchy slaw. Or, serve family-style over a big platter of rice with extra herbs and vegetables for vibrant color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Spicy Gochujang Shrimp, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp will continue to absorb the marinade, so the flavors get even more intense, making leftovers just as satisfying for lunch or a quick dinner.
Freezing
Freezing is possible, but shrimp is best enjoyed fresh to preserve its tender texture. If needed, freeze the cooked Spicy Gochujang Shrimp in a sealed freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, though expect a softer texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat, with a splash of water or a little extra sauce to keep them juicy. Avoid microwaving on high, as this can make the shrimp rubbery—short bursts on low work best if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Is Spicy Gochujang Shrimp very hot?
The spice level is customizable! Start with less gochujang if you prefer milder heat, or add more for an extra kick. A touch of honey or an extra squeeze of lime juice can also mellow out the spiciness beautifully.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely—just thaw the shrimp thoroughly, pat them dry, and continue with the marinade. Frozen, pre-peeled shrimp are a superb timesaver and work wonderfully in this Spicy Gochujang Shrimp recipe.
What if I don’t have gochujang?
Gochujang is uniquely complex, but you could try blending miso with a bit of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a similar vibe. These swaps won’t completely replicate Spicy Gochujang Shrimp, but they’ll hit the spot in a pinch!
Is Spicy Gochujang Shrimp gluten free?
To keep things gluten free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check that your gochujang is made without wheat—some brands do include it, so look for labeling if you have dietary needs.
Can I prepare Spicy Gochujang Shrimp in advance?
For the best texture, marinate the shrimp just before cooking, but you can mix up the sauce several days ahead and store it in the fridge. Then, when it’s time to cook, toss your shrimp in and dinner’s almost done!
Final Thoughts
Spicy Gochujang Shrimp is one of those memorable meals that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. If you’re craving something new, bright, and mouth-tingling, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is, and might just find yourself making it on repeat!
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Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this mouthwatering Spicy Gochujang Shrimp recipe that combines the bold flavors of Korean chili paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil, creating a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Quick and easy to make, this dish is ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
- Marinate Shrimp: Add shrimp to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust gochujang for desired spice level.
- For a smoky flavor, finish shrimp on a hot grill.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Marinating
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg
