Spicy Gochujang Scallops & Shrimp – Creamy, Bold & Irresistible!

This Spicy Gochujang Scallops & Shrimp recipe is creamy, bold, and packed with flavor! Ready in minutes, it's the perfect seafood dish for spice lovers.

Spicy Gochujang Scallops & Shrimp

Restaurant-Quality at Home – This dish delivers that rich, creamy, and spicy seafood experience you’d pay top dollar for at a fancy restaurant, but you can make it in just 20 minutes at home!

Gochujang Magic – The secret ingredient, gochujang (Korean chili paste), adds a deep umami kick with the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and richness—making this seafood dish absolutely addictive! 🔥😋

FAQs

1. How do you perfectly sear scallops without overcooking them?
Use a hot pan, pat the scallops dry, and sear for 2 minutes per side without moving them to get a golden crust.

2. What’s the best way to prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

3. Can I substitute gochujang in this spicy seafood recipe?
Yes, you can use sriracha, chili paste, or red pepper flakes for heat, but gochujang adds a unique depth of flavor.

4. What’s the secret to making a creamy seafood sauce?
A combination of butter, heavy cream, garlic, and gochujang creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the seafood beautifully.

5. How long should I cook scallops for the best texture?
Sear them for exactly 2 minutes per side over high heat until they develop a golden-brown crust.

6. What type of shrimp works best for this dish—fresh or frozen?
Both work, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

7. Can I make this seafood recipe without dairy?
Yes! Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative.

8. What’s the best way to store and reheat creamy seafood?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream to loosen the sauce.

9. Is this recipe keto or low-carb friendly?
Yes! The main ingredients are naturally low-carb. Just skip any added sugar or serve with zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

10. Can I use other seafood like lobster or crab in this dish?
Absolutely! Lobster, crab, or even clams would work well in this creamy, spicy sauce.

11. What’s the best side dish to serve with spicy creamy seafood?
This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.

12. How do I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the gochujang and add a little extra cream or butter to balance the heat.

13. What’s the best oil for searing scallops and shrimp?
Use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or clarified butter (ghee) for a perfect sear.

14. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Seafood is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the scallops and shrimp right before serving.

15. How can I enhance the umami flavor of this dish?
A splash of fish sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or a little Parmesan cheese can boost the umami depth.

Make it

Spicy Creamy Garlic Shrimp & Scallops

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb scallops (patted dry for the best sear)

  • ½ lb shrimp (peeled & deveined)

  • 1 ½ tbsp olive oil (divided)

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 ½ tbsp gochujang (adjust to spice preference)

  • ¾ cup heavy cream

  • 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

  • ½ tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)

  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Sear the Scallops & Shrimp:

  1. Scallops: Pat them super dry. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear scallops for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

  2. Shrimp: Add ½ tbsp olive oil to the same pan. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Lower heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  2. Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for about 30 seconds to develop the flavors.

  3. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine & Finish:

  1. Return the scallops and shrimp to the pan, tossing them gently in the sauce.

  2. Cook for 1 more minute to coat everything beautifully.

  3. Drizzle with sesame oil for extra depth.

Serve & Garnish:

  1. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

  2. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or crusty bread.

  3. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon for brightness.

🔥 Pro Tip: Want a little crunch? Serve with crispy fried garlic or crushed peanuts on top!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 410

  • Protein: 32g

  • Fat: 28g

  • Carbs: 12g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 5g

This recipe is bold, creamy, and packed with umami, perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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