If you’re ready for a vibrant, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in a flash, Spicy Gochujang Shrimp is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish brings together plump, juicy shrimp with a thrilling Korean-inspired sauce that’s sweet, savory, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s a celebration of bold flavors and quick cooking, perfect for nights when you want something exciting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Each bite is a little moment of joy, making it impossible not to go back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Spicy Gochujang Shrimp is how a handful of simple, powerhouse ingredients create such a complex, layered flavor. Each one is chosen for its unique contribution, whether it’s adding heat, sweetness, or a punch of umami.
- Shrimp: Large shrimp work best, offering a juicy bite and soaking up all that delicious sauce—make sure they’re peeled and deveined for ease.
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): This is the heart of the dish, providing a beautiful depth of spice and a hint of smokiness.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, savory backbone that balances the heat and sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: Just a touch infuses a toasty aroma and a little extra richness.
- Honey: Helps mellow the spice, bringing a gentle sweetness to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the dish its irresistible aroma and punch.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash brightens everything up, making the flavors pop.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger adds a zesty warmth that lingers in every bite.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking, this keeps the shrimp tender and helps the sauce coat every piece.
- Green Onion: Sliced thin, it’s the perfect fresh garnish to finish the dish.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled on top for a nutty crunch and a touch of visual flair.
How to Make Spicy Gochujang Shrimp
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and whisking together the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. This is where the magic happens—the sauce comes together in seconds and already smells incredible. Make sure everything is well combined so the shrimp get coated evenly later.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp right into the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything gently to make sure each shrimp is completely covered in that glossy, spicy mixture. Pop the bowl in the fridge and let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 to 20 minutes. If you have the time, letting them sit for up to an hour will make the flavors even more vibrant.
Step 3: Sear to Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side; you’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and start to curl. Be careful not to overcook—they should be juicy and tender!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once the shrimp are cooked through, take them off the heat and immediately sprinkle on the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These finishing touches add freshness and crunch that play so well with the rich sauce. Serve your Spicy Gochujang Shrimp over fluffy rice, slippery noodles, or tucked into cool lettuce wraps for a totally craveable meal.
How to Serve Spicy Gochujang Shrimp
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing Spicy Gochujang Shrimp, a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds goes a long way. If you want to dial up the freshness, try tossing on some chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime. The garnishes aren’t just for looks—they add layers of flavor and a pop of color that make the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This shrimp is fantastic with a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up all the sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of crisp lettuce or alongside quick pickled veggies for a tangy contrast. Stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas also make a perfect pairing, adding crunch and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Spicy Gochujang Shrimp is endlessly adaptable! Pile the shrimp into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on appetizer, or toss them with cold soba noodles for a spicy noodle salad. They’re also amazing tucked into a warm tortilla with crunchy slaw for a Korean-inspired taco night. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make the dish your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two days. Be sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up to maintain their best texture.
Freezing
While freshly cooked Spicy Gochujang Shrimp is always best, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to one month. For best results, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can make the shrimp rubbery. A quick toss in the pan brings them back to life and keeps them juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Spicy Gochujang Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the sauce stick and ensures even cooking.
Is there a substitute for gochujang if I can’t find it?
While gochujang is truly unique, you can try a combination of sriracha and a bit of miso paste for a similar heat and fermented flavor. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still taste delicious.
Can I make Spicy Gochujang Shrimp less spicy?
Yes! Simply use less gochujang or add an extra drizzle of honey to mellow out the heat. You can also serve with plenty of rice to balance the spiciness.
What’s the best way to serve this dish for a party?
Serve the shrimp on skewers for easy, shareable bites, or offer a build-your-own lettuce wrap bar with all the fixings. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Shrimp are done when they’re pink and opaque, with a gentle curl. Overcooking makes them tough, so keep a close eye and pull them off the heat as soon as they’re cooked through.
Final Thoughts
Spicy Gochujang Shrimp is one of those dishes that never fails to impress and satisfy, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself. It’s quick, bold, and bursting with flavor—perfect for shaking up your dinner routine. Give it a try and enjoy every spicy, saucy bite!
Print
Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Korean-inspired Spicy Gochujang Shrimp recipe featuring tender shrimp marinated in a spicy, sweet, and savory gochujang sauce, then pan-seared to perfection. Perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Main
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 green onion (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and grated fresh ginger until well combined to create a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss to fully coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded, and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over jasmine rice, noodles, or wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of gochujang depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the shrimp for up to 1 hour but no longer to avoid a mushy texture.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or crisp pickled vegetables to balance the heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
