How to Make the Perfect Spicy Gochujang Shrimp
Korean-American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This spicy gochujang shrimp is a bold and fiery quick dinner packed with Korean inspired flavors ready in just 15 minutes. Plump juicy shrimp coated in a sweet spicy gochujang glaze makes an unforgettable and fast weeknight protein dish.
Why this recipe works
This Spicy Gochujang Shrimp recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 240 calories with 27g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the Gochujang Sauce
Whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl until fully combined into a smooth spicy glaze. Taste and adjust the honey to balance the heat level to your preference.
Step 2: Prep and Dry Shrimp
Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt. Dry shrimp sear properly in the hot pan and absorb the gochujang glaze more effectively creating a better flavor coating.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish
Pour gochujang sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat completely. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds until sauce thickens and caramelizes slightly around the shrimp. Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- gochujang paste → sriracha mixed with a teaspoon of miso paste for a similar spicy umami flavor
- honey → brown sugar dissolved in a teaspoon of water for the same sticky sweetness
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking shrimp past the pink and curled stage which makes them tough and rubbery
- Burning the gochujang sauce by using heat that is too high since the sugar content makes it scorch quickly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 240 calories, 27g protein, 14g carbs, 8g fat, 0g fiber.
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