Gochujang Butter Shrimp: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful shrimp recipe? Look no further than Gochujang Butter Shrimp! This dish combines the sweet, savory, spicy, and umami-rich flavors of gochujang (Korean chili paste) with the richness of butter and succulent shrimp, creating a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible. Perfect as an appetizer, a light meal, or served over rice or noodles for a complete dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to your spice preference. Not a fan of super spicy food? Reduce the amount of gochujang. Want to kick it up a notch? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless!

Why You’ll Love This Gochujang Butter Shrimp Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of gochujang, butter, garlic, and ginger creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or over rice or noodles.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level and add your favorite vegetables.
• Impressive: This dish looks and tastes gourmet, but it’s surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp will work.
• Gochujang: This is the star of the show! Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, salt, and sometimes sweeteners. It has a complex flavor that’s sweet, savory, spicy, and umami.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for adding a pungent and aromatic flavor.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm and spicy note that complements the gochujang.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor that enhances the other ingredients. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness balances the spiciness of the gochujang and adds a glossy sheen to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
• Green Onions (Scallions): For garnish, adding a fresh and vibrant touch.
• Sesame Seeds: For garnish, adding a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
• Optional: Red pepper flakes (for extra spice), lime juice (for brightness), other vegetables like bell peppers or onions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Gochujang Butter Shrimp:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

If using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on or off, depending on your preference. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely in the pan.

Step 2: Make the Gochujang Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, melted butter, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and sesame oil. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you want a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil (vegetable oil or avocado oil works well). Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour the gochujang butter sauce over the shrimp and stir to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and glaze the shrimp. Make sure the shrimp are thoroughly coated in the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!

Detailed Recipe

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

* 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 2 green onions, chopped
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or avocado oil
* Optional: red pepper flakes, lime juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on or off, depending on your preference. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Gochujang Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, melted butter, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and sesame oil. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Add the Sauce: Pour the gochujang butter sauce over the shrimp and stir to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and glaze the shrimp.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Gochujang Butter Shrimp

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and tough. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Use High Heat: Cooking the shrimp over high heat will help them sear and brown nicely.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, start with a smaller amount of gochujang and add more to taste.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli.
• Marinate the Shrimp: For even more flavor, marinate the shrimp in the gochujang butter sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Serve with a Side of Rice: Gochujang Butter Shrimp is delicious served over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
• Add a Squeeze of Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright and zesty flavor to the dish.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Use tofu or mushrooms instead of shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly. Use maple syrup or agave in place of honey. Ensure gochujang used is vegan (some contain fish sauce).

Variations and Add-ins

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Gochujang Butter Shrimp: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
• Garlic Gochujang Butter Shrimp: Add an extra clove or two of minced garlic to the sauce.
• Honey Garlic Gochujang Butter Shrimp: Increase the amount of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter flavor.
• Gochujang Butter Shrimp with Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, broccoli, or other vegetables to the skillet along with the shrimp.
• Gochujang Butter Shrimp Scampi: Serve the shrimp over linguine or other pasta with extra sauce for a delicious twist on shrimp scampi.
• Coconut Gochujang Butter Shrimp: Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy and tropical flavor.
• Lemon Gochujang Butter Shrimp: Add lemon zest and lemon juice for a bright and citrusy flavor.
• Parmesan Gochujang Butter Shrimp: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp before serving.
• Gochujang Butter Shrimp Tacos: Serve the shrimp in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded cabbage, salsa, and avocado.

Serving Suggestions

Gochujang Butter Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Over Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
• With Noodles: Toss the shrimp with your favorite noodles, such as spaghetti, linguine, or ramen.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp as an appetizer with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
• In Tacos: Serve the shrimp in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Serve the shrimp in crisp lettuce cups for a light and healthy meal.
• With Quinoa: Combine the shrimp with cooked quinoa for a protein-packed and nutritious meal.
• As a Salad Topping: Add the shrimp to your favorite salad for a flavorful and satisfying topping.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve the shrimp alongside roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Gochujang Butter Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, as they can become rubbery.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 250-300
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 5-10g

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

   Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

   While you can prepare the gochujang butter sauce ahead of time, it’s best to cook the shrimp just before serving to prevent them from becoming rubbery.

3. Can I adjust the spice level?

   Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level by using more or less gochujang. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

4. What if I don’t have gochujang?

   While gochujang is the key ingredient in this recipe, you can try substituting it with another chili paste or a combination of sriracha and miso paste. However, the flavor will be different.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

   Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli. Add them to the skillet along with the shrimp and cook until they are tender-crisp.

6. Can I make this recipe vegan?

   Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with tofu or mushrooms. Use maple syrup or agave in place of honey. Ensure gochujang used is vegan (some contain fish sauce). Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Gochujang Butter Shrimp is a flavor-packed and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite!