Gourmet Chili Shrimp (Dak Galbi Style)
Make Restaurant-Quality Chili Shrimp at Home with This Easy Recipe!
Remember the ‘Garlic Shrimp & Chili Shrimp’ recipe from the popular Korean cooking show ‘Home Food Rescue’? I’ve always dreamed of tasting it! Recently, my mother sent me some fresh jumbo shrimp, so I decided to make chili shrimp yesterday, and oh my goodness, it was divine! Even my notoriously picky husband was amazed, his eyes widening as he declared, ‘This is truly delicious!’ This chili shrimp recipe, inspired by the show, is a game-changer for home cooking. Let me share it with you now!
Shrimp and Aromatics
- 1 cup Cocktail Shrimp or Jumbo Shrimp (choose your preference)
- 1 Tbsp Butter (for richness)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (essential for flavor)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil (for sautéing)
- A pinch of Black Pepper (to remove any fishiness and enhance flavor)
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
The Irresistible Chili Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for heat)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for umami)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar (for a tangy note)
- 2 Tbsp Ketchup (for a sweet and sour base)
- A little Water (to adjust consistency, approx. 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for heat)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for umami)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar (for a tangy note)
- 2 Tbsp Ketchup (for a sweet and sour base)
- A little Water (to adjust consistency, approx. 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the special chili sauce that makes this dish so irresistible. In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of ketchup. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth. Accurate measurements are key for the perfect sauce balance.
Step 2
Now, let’s gather our main ingredients. You’ll need 1 cup of cleaned shrimp (cocktail or jumbo), 1 tablespoon of butter for that luxurious richness, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for aromatic depth, and 2 tablespoons of cooking oil for sautéing. If you like a bit of heat, finely chop 1 Cheongyang chili pepper. Once all your ingredients are prepped and ready, let’s dive into making these delicious chili shrimp!
Step 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté gently. The goal here is to infuse the oil with the garlic’s aroma without burning it. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden brown. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base.
Step 4
As soon as you smell the fragrant garlic, add the shrimp to the pan. Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper over the shrimp. This not only helps to eliminate any potential fishiness but also adds another layer of flavor. Stir the shrimp frequently to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
Step 5
Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can make them tough. Once they are mostly cooked through, it’s time to add the sauce.
Step 6
Pour the prepared chili sauce into the pan with the shrimp. Add a little water to adjust the sauce consistency. The amount of water can be tailored to your preference – use about 1/2 cup for a thicker sauce or up to 1 cup for a more saucy dish. I prefer a less soupy consistency, so I used about 1/2 cup. Stir everything together well, allowing the shrimp to cook in the sauce until it thickens slightly and coats the shrimp beautifully.
Step 7
Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until it’s completely melted. The butter adds a wonderful richness and silky texture to the sauce. If you’re using the optional Cheongyang chili pepper, add the chopped pieces now for a pleasant spicy kick that balances the sweetness and richness. Stir everything together until the sauce is glossy and coats the shrimp perfectly. Your homemade chili shrimp, inspired by Chef Baek Jong-won, is now ready!
Step 8
This chili shrimp recipe is highly recommended for those special occasions when you crave something extraordinary. It looks impressive and tastes even better, making it a perfect dish for entertaining guests.
Step 9
The preparation is surprisingly simple, and the ingredients are easily accessible. Thanks to this recipe, which guarantees both flavor and visual appeal, our dinner tonight was truly spectacular. Chef Baek Jong-won’s recipes never disappoint!
