Description
This Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy succulent shrimp coated in a vibrant Korean-inspired sauce. The dish features a perfect balance of heat from gochujang, sweetness from honey, and tanginess from rice vinegar. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
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 thoroughly using paper towels, then season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If the sauce seems too thick, thin it by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of water, stirring until well combined.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking and searing. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and develop a light sear.
- Add and simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp, and toss to coat them evenly. Simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, clinging beautifully to the shrimp.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the shrimp. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bright finishing touch.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spiciness to your preference.
- If fresh ginger is unavailable, you can omit it or use a pinch of ground ginger as a substitute.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and will become rubbery if overdone.
