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Close up of glossy spaghetti noodles with a gochujang sauce and korean shrimp scampi.

Korean Shrimp Scampi

Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter gets a flavorful Korean twist with gochugaru and sesame oil. Ready in just 20 minutes, this fusion dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Korean
Keyword: easy, fusion, quick, seafood
Prep Time: 6 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 strainer
  • 1 tongs

Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried spaghetti
  • 1 c pasta water
  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • `2 tbsp garlic (minced)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp gochujang
  • 2 tsp gochugaru (optional, depending on spice tolerance)
  • ⅛ c coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
  • ⅛ c mirin
  • ⅛ c lemon juice
  • 2 tsp honey

For Garnish

  • parmesan (grated)
  • scallions (sliced)
  • toasted sesame seeds
  • crushed chili flakes

Instructions 

  1. Boil 1 lb dried spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 c pasta water. Drizzle noodles in olive oil to prevent sticking
  2. Add 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp olive oil, `2 tbsp garlic, 1 lb shrimp to pan. Season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste) Cook for 1-2 mins on each side on medium heat. [see notes] Set aside.
  3. In the same pan add 2 tsp sesame oil, 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tsp gochugaru, ⅛ c coconut aminos, 2 tsp honey, ⅛ c mirin, ⅛ c lemon juice. Stir to combine. Add noodles and splashes of pasta water until noodles are glossy and well coated. Add shrimp.
  4. Portion into a bowl and add parmesan [2], scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and crushed chili flakes if you like a little extra heat.

Notes

  1. Batch cook if necessary, shrimp is easy to overcook, and no one wants tough/chewy shrimp.
  2. I forgot to add parmesan until after the photos but HIGHLY recommend freshly grated parmesan in the bowl!
  3. If you absolutely can't deal with any level of spice omit the gochugaru. If you love spice and want super spicy up to 1 tbsp.