Gochujang Butter Shrimp Recipe (Taste Test)
This Korean-fusion shrimp had my whole family asking for seconds! Rich butter sauce with spicy-sweet gochujang creates an addictive umami glaze.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- large shrimp, peeled and deveined 12 oz
- unsalted butter 4 tbsp
- garlic cloves, minced 3 each
- green onion, sliced 2 each
Seasonings/Sauce
- gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 tbsp
- soy sauce 1 tbsp
- honey 1.5 tbsp
- rice vinegar 1 tsp
- black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
18 g
17%
Protein
26 g
25%
Fat
23 g
58%
Cooking steps
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1
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels for extra crispiness and season lightly with black pepper.
-
2
Heat 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high until melted and bubbling; add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
-
3
Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until just turning pink and slightly charred.
-
4
Push shrimp to the sides; stir in gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in the middle. Let bubble for 30 seconds, then toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly.
-
5
Remove pan from heat, swirl in final 1 tbsp butter for silky finish, scatter sliced green onions over, and serve immediately—watch the glossy glaze shine for the camera!
Personalized Q&A
Q. Is this the same Gochujang Butter Shrimp everyone sees on TikTok?
Yes, this recipe follows the viral TikTok method with gochujang, butter, garlic, and honey for that signature spicy-sweet glaze and glossy shrimp. It captures the trending sauce swirl and buttery finish that blew up online.
Q. Is Gochujang Butter Shrimp easy to make even for beginners?
Absolutely! The recipe uses accessible ingredients and simple steps: pan-searing shrimp, melting butter, and stirring in a few seasonings. No tricky technique required—if you can sauté, you can make it.
Q. Can I change up the ingredients for my taste or allergies?
Yes! You can sub chicken or tofu for shrimp, use maple syrup instead of honey, or adjust the gochujang for heat. The viral sauce works well with different proteins and is flexible for most diets.
Q. How healthy is Gochujang Butter Shrimp? What about the calories?
Each serving is around 420 kcal, with a good balance of protein, but it’s also rich in butter and sauce. It’s a flavorful, indulgent meal—perfect for a treat but not considered low-calorie or low-fat. Enjoy in moderation!
Q. Why did Gochujang Butter Shrimp go viral on TikTok?
Its visual appeal—glossy, bright-red sauce and plump shrimp—combined with crazy simple steps and a satisfying flavor mashup made it super shareable. The buttery glaze, spicy-sweet kick, and quick cook time fit TikTok’s recipe style perfectly.
