Main dish

Sweet and Spicy Shrimp

These spicy shrimp made with Gochujang Korean chili paste will blow your mind! Sweet and spicy, these will satisfy your takeout craving!

To recipe
sweet and spicy shrimp
Recipe insights & TIPS

These spicy shrimp are definitely addictive! With a touch of heat and sweetness to balance the flavor, they'll be one of your homemade take-out recipes forever!

spicy shrimp on a plate with cilantro

Even though there are a few ingredients in this super-simple spicy shrimp recipe, the one key ingredient is Gochujang (Pronounced, "Go-choo-jang) This thick red paste is made mostly from red chili powder and fermented soy bean powder. It's origin is Korean and at first sight you might think it'll taste similar to Sriracha, that well known hot and spicy sauce. But Gochujang is much milder making it easier to adapt into recipes and without destroying your taste buds.

The paste has a strong umami flavor so it can be used in recipes such as stews and soups to stir fry's or casseroles. For this recipe I mixed it with a few other pantry staple ingredients and added it to some large shrimp. The end result is really good and would go head to head with any of your favorite take out. Add some rice or crunchy vegetables for an easy and quick weeknight dinner!

Ingredients Used

  • Gochujang- Korean chili paste which can be found at any Asian grocery store or specialty store.
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Honey
  • Shrimp- I like to use large shrimp and keep the tails on but it's definitely up to you
  • Green onion
  • Fresh garlic
  • Red pepper flakes-Optional if you like a god spice kick
  • Sesame seeds

FAQ's about making spicy shrimp

Can I substitute the shrimp? Yes, chicken, beef or pork could be used, just be sure to chop it into small pieces so it cooks quickly.

How spicy is this dish? I'd say medium and maybe a 6/10. Make it spicier by adding a heavy sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

What should I serve with the shrimp? I would recommend fried rice or regular rice, stir fry veggies would also be a good choice.

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Recipe

Deliciously sweet and spicy shrimp tossed in a Korean Gochujang sauce.

Course:
Main dish
COOKing TIME:
8 minutes
Total TIME:
23 minutes
CUISINE:
American
PREP TIME:
15 minutes
SERVINGS:
2

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Gochujang chili paste
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped green onion, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • ½ pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Red pepper flakes to taste
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Fresh chopped cilantro

Ingredient Swaps

Instructions

  1. In a bowl whisk together the soy sauce, Gochujang, rice vinegar and honey. Set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
  3. Add the chopped green onion and stir, then add the garlic.
  4. Add the shrimp and cook on high heat for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and cook for another 4-5 minutes stirring and tossing.
  6. Garnish with extra green onion, pepper flakes and sesame seeds and serve with cooked rice.
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