Irresistible Gochujang Shrimp

Featured in Fresh Seafood Made Easy.

These shrimp bring crunch with a light arrowroot coating, browned and crispy after cooking. Then they’re tossed in a dreamy sauce combining spicy Korean gochujang, honey for sweetness, and a dash of bold vinegar for a flavorful kick. Garlic, scallions, and fragrant sesame oil round it all out. Together, the textures and sweet-savory flavors create a quick dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy. From pan to plate, you’re eating in about 20 minutes.
Emily Watson
Updated on Fri, 28 Feb 2025 05:50:14 GMT
Crispy Sweet-Spicy Shrimp with Gochujang Pin it
Crispy Sweet-Spicy Shrimp with Gochujang | thefamilycooks.com

Create a luxurious tropical smoothie that combines frozen fruit, rich coconut milk, and delicate white chocolate. This perfectly balanced drink delivers refreshing flavor with a touch of decadence in every sip.

The key to this smoothie's success lies in premium ingredients and precise blending technique. Fresh coconut meat adds authentic tropical texture, while carefully measured white chocolate provides subtle sweetness without overpowering the fruit. This tested recipe consistently produces smoothie-shop quality results.

Key Ingredients Guide

  • Pineapple: Choose golden, fragrant fruit. Freeze 1-inch chunks for easy blending.
  • Strawberries: Use peak-season berries. Individually freeze on baking sheet.
  • Fresh Coconut: Select firm, heavy coconuts. Can substitute thawed frozen coconut meat.
  • White Chocolate: Use premium chips containing real cocoa butter.
  • Coconut Milk: Full-fat variety provides best results. Mix well before use.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Initial Blending
Pour room temperature coconut milk into blender. Add protein powder if using. Layer frozen fruits and coconut pieces, sprinkling white chocolate between layers. Begin blending on low for 10 seconds, gradually increase speed, finish on high for 45 seconds.
Step 2: Texture Adjustment
Start with thick consistency. Add coconut milk by tablespoon, blending 10 seconds between additions. Check thickness - should be smooth but hold shape. Ensure white chocolate is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Presentation
Pre-chill glasses in freezer. Create white chocolate-coconut rim. Pour smoothie carefully, rotating glass. Add garnishes largest to smallest. Serve immediately.
Gochujang Shrimp Pin it
Gochujang Shrimp | thefamilycooks.com

This recipe emerged from extensive testing to achieve the perfect tropical smoothie. The breakthrough came from precise ingredient layering and the addition of white chocolate, inspired by a luxury resort beverage. Each element has been carefully balanced for optimal taste and texture.

Gochujang Shrimp Pin it
Gochujang Shrimp | thefamilycooks.com

This signature smoothie balances nutrition with indulgence perfectly. The careful selection of ingredients and precise preparation creates a drink that's both healthy and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for special breakfast occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is gochujang?
It’s a Korean chili paste with sweet, spicy, and slightly tangy fermented flavors. Look for it at Asian grocery stores.
→ Can I swap arrowroot with something else?
Absolutely, cornstarch is a great alternative and works just as well.
→ How spicy is this recipe?
It’s got a moderate spiciness, but you can tone it down by using less gochujang if that’s your preference.
→ What should I serve alongside this?
Pair it with steamed white rice, fresh veggies, or even noodles for a complete meal.
→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yep, the sauce can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge.

Sweet-Spicy Shrimp

Golden shrimp coated in arrowroot, smothered in a flavorful gochujang-based sweet-spicy sauce.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Korean

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Shrimp

01 10 oz shrimp, keep the tails on
02 1 large egg
03 1/2 cup cornstarch or arrowroot starch
04 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
05 1/2 teaspoon ground garlic powder
06 1 to 2 tablespoons of avocado oil

→ Sauce

07 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil
08 2 finely chopped garlic cloves
09 1/3 cup chopped green onions
10 2 tablespoons spicy gochujang chili paste
11 3 tablespoons of honey for sweetness
12 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
13 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
14 2 tablespoons of water to thin the sauce
15 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Dip the shrimp in the beaten egg, then coat them in the seasoned arrowroot or cornstarch mix

Step 02

In a large pan, fry shrimp in small batches for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re crispy and golden

Step 03

Cook the minced garlic and scallions in sesame oil, then stir in the rest of the sauce ingredients and simmer until the mixture thickens

Step 04

Coat the cooked shrimp with the finished sauce, then sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top

Tools You'll Need

  • Large frying pan
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish
  • Eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 196
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~