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Velvet Digest

What is Korean chili paste called?

Author

William Brown

Updated on May 29, 2026

Gochujang is a red chile paste that also contains glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, salt, and sometimes sweeteners. It's a thick, sticky condiment that's spicy and very concentrated and pungent in flavor.

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Subsequently, one may also ask, what can I substitute for Korean chili paste?

  • Your best bet for flavor: Make your own using a miso-based recipe.
  • Your “on the fly” alternative: A simple red pepper flake paste.
  • Grocery store alternatives: Sriracha chili sauce or a Thai chili paste.
  • If you're desperate: Tomato paste.

Similarly, is Korean chili paste healthy? After Kimchi, Gochujang is Korea's most famous condiment. It consists of a unique, thick paste made from red chili peppers, glutinous rice, soybeans, and salt. Gochujang is considered a diet-friendly superfood because it's rich in protein, antioxidants and vitamins, but low in fat and calorie content.

Regarding this, is Gochujang the same as hot pepper paste?

Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) If you have a look at my blog carefully, you will know how often I use gochujang (a type of hot chilli sauce). Its known English name is Korean chili paste and Korean red pepper paste.

Is Gochujang like Sriracha?

Traditionally, gochujang was made in Korea by fermenting glutinous rice, red chili, soybeans, and salt in big clay pots. Gochujang is similar to sriracha in taste, but there are some key differences. Garlic is a major component in the making of sriracha, and you won't find that same flavor in gochujang.

Related Question Answers

Is Gochujang really spicy?

Gochujang is a red chile paste that also contains glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, salt, and sometimes sweeteners. It's a thick, sticky condiment that's spicy and very concentrated and pungent in flavor.

Is Sriracha the same as chili paste?

Sriracha sauce mainly contains chili peppers, sugar, salt. garlic, and a light amount of vinegar. Sriracha is puréed into a relative thick, but smooth, hot sauce. Sambal oelek is made into a chunkier paste.

Can I use chili powder for kimchi?

The fine powder is typically used for making gochujang, or Korean chili pepper paste. The coarsely ground powder, or dried flakes, is used for making the seasoning paste for kimchi.

How spicy is Gochujang sauce?

Sure, gochujang has heat — depending on the brand, it can be extraordinarily spicy — but it also has a salty, almost meaty depth and a slight sweetness. In other words, it's not a one-note hot sauce that you add to a dish after the fact.

What can I substitute for red chili paste?

A bottle of your favorite hot sauce is a simple substitution for chili paste. While lacking the consistency of chili paste, the intense pepper flavor (usually from cayenne, jalapeño or habanero peppers) and spiciness make hot sauce an easy replacement ingredient.

What is Korean hot pepper flakes?

Gochugaru, Korean Hot Pepper Flakes ???? The spicy taste of many Korean foods largely comes down to one key ingredient: gochugaru (red chili flakes or red pepper powder). Gochugaru is made by drying Korean red chili peppers in the sun, de-seeding them and crushing them into flakes.

What does Doenjang taste like?

Doenjang is an assertively flavored, thick brown paste made from fermented soybeans and salt. It has the "funky" quality of a fermented food, and a pungent smell similar to that of a ripened blue cheese. But don't let that intimidate you.

Is Korean chili paste gluten free?

Gluten-Free Gochujang. Gochujang is a fermented, spicy bean paste that traditionally accompanies Korean dishes. It is gluten free, though. So many commercial gochujang products out there have gluten added in the form of wheat or barley.

Do you refrigerate Gochujang?

Gochujang should be refrigerated after opening and will be delicious for up to two years after opening. Refrain from keeping in direct sunlight or heat. Note that any separation or discoloration of sauces is natural so give it a shake.

Can I eat Gochujang raw?

Usually served on their own in banchan or as a component of bibimbap, the vegetables are generally blanched, but can also be served raw, boiled, fried, sautéed, or steamed.

How do you pronounce Gochujang?

Spice up your life with the next big flavor sensation -- Korean hot-chile paste known as gochujang (go-choo-jang). It has a distinctive savory (umami), sweet flavor with an enjoyable burst of heat.

How do I use chili paste?

Uses for Chili Paste
  1. Swirl it into soups for extra heat and flavor.
  2. Use it as a spread for sandwiches.
  3. Drop a few tablespoons into any meat mixture, like burgers or meatloaf.
  4. Use it as a rub or a marinade for fresh fish or chicken.
  5. Add it to stew for extra oomph.
  6. Mix it with mayo or sour cream for a quick dipper.

How can I buy Gochujang?

Gochujang is usually sold in tubs and can be found in Asian markets and the international foods section many grocery stores. Once opened, gochujang should be stored in the refrigerator and can last for up to one year.

Is Korean chili paste halal?

Gochujang is a savoury and pungent fermented Korean condiment that contains fermented soybeans, red chilli and salt. It is one of the most important ingredients you must have in your kitchen if you want to cook Korean food. The ingredients used in our halal gochujang are all halal-certified.

What is the best brand of Gochujang?

Haechandle and Chung Jung Won are good, decent brands. The words Sunchang (the city), taeyangcho (sun-dried), and chalgochujang (sweet rice gochujang) imply quality, but they don't guarantee it. To some extent, “the best gochujang” is a matter of personal preference.

Is Gochujang used in kimchi?

Traditionally Kimchi is made by covering the whole pieces of napa cabbage with the spicy Gochujang paste, or Gochugaru (red pepper flakes). Either spice will work, I use the paste. You can find Gochujang at any Asian grocer.

How do you make chili paste?

Place chilies in a blender or food processor with chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cumin, paprika, and 1/2 cup water. Blend until a smooth paste forms, scraping the sides as needed. You might need to add another tablespoon or two of water, depending on the chilies you've used.

Is Korean bibimbap healthy?

3. Supports a Healthy Weight. Bibimbap is a low-fat option that supports a healthy weight. Although it contains carbohydrates, research shows people exhibit a lower glycemic response to the dish compared to Western dishes that pack the same carbohydrate count.

Is Korean spicy food healthy?

Research has found that eating spicy food made with gochujang, which contains the compound capsaicin, may lower body weight, speed metabolism, help burn fat and suppress appetite. Capsaicin has been shown to increase the breakdown of fat by inhibiting certain enzymes linked to fat cell formation.