So what are you waiting for? Get yourself some and get cooking! Highly recommended! – Mike H. I’ve been cooking with it for a while now, and I absolutely love the stuff. Gochujang is one of the hottest condiments around, a chili paste like no other, so if you’re a spicy food lover, you definitely need this ingredient in your kitchen. It’s a wonderful chili paste that will change up your dishes in the best of ways. As you’d guess, it is used widely in Korean cooking and Korean food. It is usually made from Gochugaru - Korean chili flakes - though you can make it with other chili flakes and powders. There are a number of brands on the market today, and they range in heat levels from mild to very hot, so be sure to check the label. There’s a heat range to suit your personal palate. Nice! Heat levels can range from mild to hot, and you’ll note a salty quality with a touch of sweet and a bit of meatiness. You’ll usually want to thin it out a bit with another liquid or condiment, like rice vinegar and sesame oil, or swirl it into simmering sauces, soups or stews to bring some desirable zest to your dishes. It’s also great for making spicy dipping sauces and popularly used to make kimchi. Here are some Gochujang recipe thought starters:
Tteokbokki Gochujang Noodles (Spicy Korean Noodles) Spicy Peel and Eat Shrimp with Honey-Gochujang Glaze Korean Chicken (sprinkle on sesame seeds!) Chicken Ramen Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple-Gochujang Glaze Thai Peanut Sauce Beef Stir Fry Gochujang Sauce Homemade Kimchi (How to Make Kimchi) Yaki Udon Noodles Yukgaejang (Spicy Korean Beef And Vegetable Soup) Gochujang Pasta
Consider swirling some into mayo for a nice sandwich spread. Mix it with honey to use as a glaze for grilled meats. Try it with any stir fry. It is also a key ingredient in recipes like bulgogi and bibimbap. If you’re unable to find it at your local grocer, seek out a Korean market where you’ll usually see it sold in little red tubs. Choose the heat level that you prefer and enjoy. If you are unable to find it at your grocer, you can substitute with other condiments or ingredients. The flavor won’t be the same, but they should still work for the recipe. Some substitutions include Sriracha, Chili-Garlic Paste, Thai Chili Paste (thinned with soy sauce). Miso paste is similar in texture, though without the spicy qualities. Also consider Ssamjang (Korean soybean paste), Doenjang (Korean bean paste) or others. Other red chile pastes can work as well. For now, personally, I will stick with purchasing it for my cooking needs. Store bought gochujang is not gluten free. NOTE: This post was updated on 7/28/21 to include new information and photos. It was originally published on 3/16/18.
