My sweet honey gochujang shrimp stir-fry is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy! Juicy shrimp are coated in a rich, Korean-inspired sauce and sautéed to perfection. The best part is that the whole meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making this an easy seafood dish for a quick weeknight meal packed with bold flavors!
What is Gochujang?
Gochujang is a thick, fermented chili paste that brings a deep, umami-rich heat to dishes. You can find it in the Asian section of most grocery stores, and it’s a must-have ingredient for adding bold, Korean-inspired flavors to your meals. The sauce for this stir-fry is the perfect mix of heat from the gochujang and sweetness from the honey. Every bite is coated with rich, well-balanced flavor, making this dish both comforting and crave-worthy.
The Perfect Weeknight Meal
Tender shrimp and crisp veggies come together in this easy stir-fry, creating a dish that’s packed with protein, texture, and vibrant flavors. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal that’s satisfying, simple, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients Needed to Make Sweet Honey Gochujang Shrimp~
For the Shrimp Stir-fry~
- 12-16 large shrimp deveined and peeled
- 1 tbsp of neutral oil for cooking
- 1 diced onion
- 1 diced green or red bell pepper
- 1 cup of a chopped veggie of choice (I used green beans)
For the Sauce~
- 1.5 tbsp gochujang paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp of salt and pepper
- sesame seeds and green onions for a garnish
Notes for Success~
To ensure your Sweet Honey Gochujang Shrimp Stir-Fry turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
✔ Use High-Quality Gochujang – Not all gochujang is the same! Look for a high-quality brand with minimal additives for the best depth of flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking the shrimp can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
✔ Adjust the Heat Level – If you prefer a milder dish, start with a smaller amount of gochujang and add more to taste. If you love extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can take it up a notch! The honey adds a natural sweetness to balance the spice from the gochujang.
✔ Stir-Fry on High Heat – Cooking on high heat helps keep the vegetables crisp and prevents the shrimp from becoming soggy.
How to Serve Sweet Honey Gochujang Shrimp Stir-Fry
This bold and flavorful stir-fry is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- Over Steamed Rice or Fried Rice– A classic option! Serve it over fluffy, Perfectly Cooked Jasmine Rice or Miso Butter Fried Rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- With Noodles – Toss on top of this Spicy Vegetable Lo Mein Noodle recipe.
- With a Side of Veggies – Pair with Miso Brussel Sprouts or Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad for extra crunch and freshness.
No matter how you serve it, this Sweet Honey Gochujang Shrimp Stir-Fry is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to customize to your taste. Let me know your favorite way to enjoy it in the comments below!
Sweet Honey Gochujang Shrimp Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)
- 12-16 large shrimp deveined and peeled
- 1 diced onion
- 1 diced green or red bell pepper
- 1 cup of a chopped veggie of choice I used green beans
- 1.5 tbsp gochujang paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt and pepper
- sesame seeds and green onions for a garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp & Sauce- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first. In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang paste, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of oil. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and chopped green beans. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Cook the Shrimp- Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the shrimp to the center. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Add the Sauce- Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve & Enjoy- Spoon the stir-fry over steamed white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use High-Quality Gochujang – Not all gochujang is the same! Look for a high-quality brand with minimal additives for the best depth of flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
- Adjust the Heat Level – If you prefer a milder dish, start with a smaller amount of gochujang and add more to taste. If you love extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can take it up a notch!
- Stir-Fry on High Heat – Cooking on high heat helps keep the vegetables crisp and prevents the shrimp from becoming soggy.
- Use Fresh Veggies for the Best Texture – Bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots add great crunch, but feel free to swap in your favorites!
- Balance the Sweetness & Spice – The honey adds a natural sweetness to balance the spice from the gochujang. If you prefer a more savory flavor, reduce the honey slightly or add a splash of soy sauce.
- Serve Immediately – This stir-fry is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the pan! If you’re meal-prepping, store the sauce separately and toss everything together when reheating.
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