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!

Print Recipe

Sweet Honey Gochujang Shrimp Stir-Fry

If you’re looking to add a little heat and a lot of flavor to your dinner rotation, this Honey Gochujang Shrimp Stir-Fry is a must-try!

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Course: dinner, Stir-Fry

Cuisine: korean, Seafood

Servings: 4

Author: Jennifer Struss

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.