Name: Gochujang Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean-Italian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, tail-off, deveined (fresh preferred); 7 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 large fresh garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons gochujang; 1 tablespoon Laoganma chili crisp; 1/2 cup white grape juice; Half fresh lemon (juiced); 4 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley; 1 pound linguine pasta

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Recipe Overview

Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Stovetop
Prep: Quick & Easy

Gochujang shrimp scampi transforms the classic Italian dish with bold Korean flavors. This fusion recipe combines tender shrimp with spicy gochujang paste and aromatic garlic. The result is a perfectly balanced dish that’s both familiar and exciting.

This recipe costs around $18-22 for four servings. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The Korean chili paste adds depth while maintaining the dish’s elegant appeal.

◆✨ What Makes This Special

Ready in just 30 minutes with simple stovetop cooking
Perfect balance of Korean heat and Italian comfort
Budgetfriendly at under $6 per serving

Why This Gochujang Shrimp Scampi Recipe Works

The magic happens when gochujang meets butter and garlic. This Korean fermented paste brings umami depth that elevates traditional scampi. The chili crisp adds textural contrast while grape juice replaces traditional cooking liquid.

High-quality butter creates a silky sauce base. Fresh garlic provides aromatic foundation. The combination delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

This dish offers excellent nutritional benefits. Shrimp provides lean protein and selenium. Garlic supports immune function. The fermented gochujang aids digestion naturally.

What You’ll Need for Gochujang Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients

Category	Ingredients	Quantity & Notes
Protein	Large shrimp, tail-off, deveined	1 pound, fresh preferred
Base	Unsalted butter, extra virgin olive oil	7 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp oil
Aromatics	Fresh garlic cloves, minced	4 large cloves
Flavor enhancers	Gochujang, Laoganma chili crisp	2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp crisp
Liquid & acid	White grape juice, fresh lemon juice	1/2 cup juice, half lemon
Garnish	Fresh flat-leaf parsley, linguine pasta	4 tbsp parsley, 1 pound pasta

Tools

Category	Tools	Purpose
Cooking	Large skillet, pasta pot	Sautéing and boiling
Prep	Sharp knife, cutting board	Mincing and chopping
Serving	Tongs, serving bowls	Plating and presentation

How to Make Gochujang Shrimp Scampi

Phase	Steps	Time & Tips
Prep	Cook pasta al dente, pat shrimp dry, mince garlic	10 minutes
Sauté	Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter, cook shrimp until pink	3-4 minutes
Build sauce	Add garlic, gochujang, grape juice, remaining butter	5-6 minutes
Finish	Toss with pasta, add lemon juice, chili crisp, parsley	2-3 minutes

Start by cooking pasta according to package directions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining. Pat shrimp completely dry for better browning.

Heat olive oil and one tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in single layer. Cook without moving for 2 minutes until golden.

Flip shrimp and cook another 1-2 minutes. Remove to a plate. Add minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in gochujang and grape juice. Let bubble for 2 minutes. Whisk in remaining butter gradually. This creates the silky sauce base.

Return shrimp to pan with cooked pasta. Toss everything together. Add pasta water if needed for consistency. Finish with lemon juice, chili crisp, and fresh parsley.

✓⚡ Cook Smarter

Don’t overcook shrimp – they continue cooking in the hot sauce
Reserve pasta water for sauce consistency adjustments
Add butter gradually off heat to prevent breaking

Serving and Storage Tips for Gochujang Shrimp Scampi

Serving Tips

Serve immediately in warmed bowls for best results. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Pair with creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipes for inspiration.

This dish pairs beautifully with crisp white vegetables or simple salads. Consider serving alongside ultimate chicken casserole for larger gatherings.

Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with splash of broth. The sauce may separate but whisking helps restore texture.

Mistakes to Avoid while making Gochujang Shrimp Scampi

Overcooking shrimp creates tough, rubbery texture. Watch carefully and remove when just pink. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce.

Using too much gochujang overwhelms other flavors. Start with less and adjust to taste. Different brands vary in heat levels significantly.

Skipping pasta water is a common error. The starchy liquid helps bind sauce to noodles. Always reserve some before draining.

Adding butter to hot pan breaks the sauce. Remove from heat first. Whisk butter in gradually for smooth, glossy results.

! 🧭 Need to Know

Fresh gochujang from Korean markets has superior flavor depth
Pat shrimp completely dry for proper browning and texture
Taste and adjust seasoning – gochujang saltiness varies by brand

Suggestions for Gochujang Shrimp Scampi

Try different pasta shapes like angel hair or fettuccine. Each provides unique sauce-holding properties. Experiment with gochujang shrimp pasta variations for inspiration.

Add vegetables like snow peas or baby spinach. These complement the Korean flavors beautifully. Check out gochujang honey shrimp for sweet variations.

For special occasions, serve with steamed rice instead of pasta. This creates a Korean-Italian fusion bowl that’s equally satisfying.

FAQs:

Can I substitute the gochujang with other chili pastes?

Yes, but flavor will change significantly. Sriracha or sambal oelek work but lack gochujang’s fermented depth.

What size shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large or extra-large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) provide best texture and don’t overcook easily.

How spicy is this gochujang shrimp scampi?

Moderately spicy with building heat. Start with less gochujang if sensitive to spice levels.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Best served immediately, but components can be prepped ahead. Cook pasta and shrimp just before serving.

What wine pairs well with gochujang shrimp scampi?

Crisp white varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the spicy, garlicky flavors perfectly.

Conclusion

Gochujang shrimp scampi brings exciting Korean flavors to Italian comfort food. This fusion recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes. The combination of spicy gochujang and buttery garlic creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish offers excellent nutritional value. The lean protein and bold flavors make it a healthy, satisfying choice for any occasion.