Spicy Gochujang Shrimp

Category: Fresh Seafood Made Easy

Lightly coated in arrowroot and egg, these golden-fried shrimp are tossed in a rich sauce with spicy gochujang, honey's sweetness, and a tangy vinegar kick. Fresh garlic and scallions punch up the flavor, and sesame oil finishes it with a classic Korean touch. It all comes together in 20 minutes, with crispy shrimp and sticky, flavorful sauce that keeps things fun and tasty for a busy weeknight.
Emily Watson
By Emily Watson Emily Watson
Last updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:30:44 GMT
Spicy Gochujang Shrimp Pin
Spicy Gochujang Shrimp | thefamilycooks.com

Elevate your smoothie game with this luxurious tropical delight. Mixing together frozen fruit, velvety coconut milk, and a hint of white chocolate gives you a drink that's both nutritious and decadent with every gulp.

I've tried hundreds of smoothie combos over time, and I finally cracked the code. It's all about good ingredients and how you blend them. Adding bits of real coconut was a total game-changer for that authentic tropical feel, and just the right amount of white chocolate brings subtle richness without drowning out the fruits. What began as a basic blend has turned into a perfected formula that makes smoothies worthy of a fancy café.

Key Components and Shopping Advice

  • Frozen Pineapple: Look for golden, fragrant, ripe pineapples. Chop them into 1-inch pieces and freeze for easier blending.
  • Frozen Strawberries: Go for deep red, ripe ones. Freeze them separately on a sheet first before bagging.
  • Coconut Chunks: Nothing beats fresh coconut meat for taste and texture. When using frozen, let it thaw a bit first.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Grab high-quality ones with real cocoa butter for the best melt and flavor.
  • Coconut Milk: The full-fat kind works best for creaminess. Give the can a good shake to mix everything before you pour.

Straightforward Preparation Steps

Step 1: Getting The Blend Right
Pour room temp coconut milk into your blender first. If you're using protein powder, add it next so it gets wet before blending. Then add layers of frozen fruits with coconut chunks mixed in. Scatter white chocolate chips between the frozen stuff. Run the blender on low for 10 seconds. Slowly turn up the speed while watching the mix. Blend on high for exactly 45 seconds to get the perfect smoothness.
Step 2: Nailing The Perfect Thickness
Your first blend will be super thick. Pour in more coconut milk one tablespoon at a time. Blend for 10 seconds after each addition. Check thickness with a spoon - it should keep its shape but still be easy to drink. Make sure all tiny white chocolate bits are fully melted. You want it smooth but not runny.
Step 3: Making It Look Fancy
Put your glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes. Dip the rim in melted white chocolate. Stick coconut flakes to the rim while the chocolate's still wet. Pour your smoothie in slowly, turning the glass as you go. Add garnishes in order: bigger pieces first, delicate stuff last. Serve right away to keep everything fresh and the chocolate rim firm.
Gochujang Shrimp Pin
Gochujang Shrimp | thefamilycooks.com

This formula came from tons of tropical smoothie tests in my kitchen. My big breakthrough happened when I figured out that putting ingredients in a certain order made all the flavors blend perfectly. I got the white chocolate idea from a fancy drink at a resort, where its gentle sweetness worked beautifully with tangy pineapple and bright strawberries. I've carefully tested and tweaked every part to find that sweet spot between healthy and yummy.

Gochujang Shrimp Pin
Gochujang Shrimp | thefamilycooks.com

This smoothie shows you can have something healthy and fancy at the same time. It's now my go-to breakfast treat for weekend visitors, who always can't believe how creamy it is and how well the flavors work together. By picking the right ingredients and following specific steps, you get a drink that's good for you but feels like a special treat, proving healthy food can taste amazing too.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What’s gochujang exactly?
It’s a Korean red chili paste that’s spicy, slightly sweet, and fermented. Check Asian grocery stores for it.
→ Can I swap arrowroot for cornstarch?
Absolutely, cornstarch is a great substitute for arrowroot.
→ Is this dish super spicy?
It’s medium spicy, but you can dial up or down the heat by adjusting the gochujang amount.
→ What pairs well with this?
Steamed veggies, white rice, or even noodles are great sides.
→ Can I prep the sauce early?
Definitely, it stays fresh up to three days in the fridge.

Spicy Korean Shrimp

Crunchy shrimp coated in arrowroot, mixed with a sweet-spicy sauce made from Korean gochujang paste.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
By Emily Watson: Emily Watson

Recipe Category: Seafood

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: Korean

Makes: 4 Serves

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

What You’ll Need

→ Shrimp

01 10 oz shrimp, keep tails on
02 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1 egg
04 1/2 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
05 A pinch of salt and pepper
06 1-2 spoons avocado oil

→ Sauce

07 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
08 3 tablespoons honey
09 2 cloves minced garlic
10 1/3 cup scallions, chopped up
11 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
12 2 teaspoons sesame seeds to sprinkle on top
13 1 tablespoon sesame oil
14 A couple of tablespoons water
15 2 tablespoons gochujang paste

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Dip shrimp into beaten egg first, then roll them around in the seasoned cornstarch mix.

Step 02

Fry the shrimp on both sides in small batches for 2 minutes each until golden.

Step 03

Cook sesame oil with garlic and scallions, add everything else for the sauce, and let it thicken up on the stove.

Step 04

Mix the shrimp into the sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions, and you’re good to go.

Essential Tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Big frying pan

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Eggs
  • Shellfish

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance only and don't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 196
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~