Gochujang Substitute
In need of a Gochujang substitute for your recipe? This guide is your key to discovering the best alternatives that seamlessly infuse your dishes with the bold and spicy flavors characteristic of Korean cuisine. Whether you’re whipping up a savory marinade, a sizzling stir-fry, or a lip-smacking dipping sauce, our curated list of gochujang alternatives is here to ensure your recipes maintain that distinctive Korean flair.
What is Gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that is a staple in Korean cuisine. It is made from red chili peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. The paste has a sweet, spicy, and umami flavor profile, and it is often used to add depth and complexity to various dishes.
Gochujang is commonly used as a condiment, marinade, or ingredient in Korean dishes such as bibimbap, bulgogi, and tteokbokki. It is known for its distinctive red color and versatile use in both traditional and modern Korean cooking.
Where to Find Gochujang
Gochujang can be found in most Asian grocery stores, particularly in the Korean section. It is also available in some mainstream supermarkets, often located in the international or ethnic foods aisle. You can also find it through online retailers like Amazon.
Best Substitutes For Gochujang
1. Ssamjang
A Korean paste made with fermented soybean, sesame seeds, garlic, and other ingredients. It has a rich and savory taste, similar to Gochujang.
While Ssamjang is a great alternative, it could be hard to find if you’re already having difficulty finding Gochujang.
2. Sriracha
Sriracha is a Vietnamese hot sauce made from chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Due to its similar spicy and tangy characteristics, it can be a decent substitute for Gochujang in certain contexts. Although they come from different culinary traditions, both condiments offer heat and flavor. Sriracha is a Thai chili sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Sriracha can be used as a substitute for Gochujang in recipes where a spicy kick is desired. It works well in marinades, sauces, and dishes that can benefit from its heat and tanginess. While it may lack some of the sweetness and umami complexity of Gochujang, sriracha can add a bold and fiery element to Asian-inspired dishes, such as stir-fries, noodles, or dipping sauces.
3. Miso Paste
Miso paste can be a suitable substitute for Gochujang in certain recipes due to its umami-rich flavor and versatility. While miso and Gochujang have distinct tastes, they share a depth of flavor and complexity. Miso is a Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, salt, and sometimes grains.
Miso can be used as a substitute for Gochujang in dishes where the umami and savory qualities are crucial. It works well in marinades, dressings, and soups, imparting a rich and complex taste. Keep in mind that miso lacks the spiciness of Gochujang, so you may want to add chili flakes or another spicy element if heat is a key component of the original recipe. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and the specific requirements of your dish, and enjoy the unique depth that miso brings to a variety of Asian-inspired and fusion recipes.
4. Harissa
Harissa can be a good substitute for Gochujang in certain situations due to its bold and spicy flavor profile. Both condiments offer a rich and fiery taste, though they originate from different culinary traditions. Harissa, a North African chili paste, typically contains red chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and various spices.
Harissa can be used as a substitute for Gochujang in recipes where a spicy kick and robust flavor are desired. It works well in marinades, sauces, and dishes that benefit from the heat and complexity of Gochujang. While it may not capture the exact nuances of Gochujang’s sweetness and umami, harissa can add depth to Mediterranean or Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, such as roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or couscous. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference and the specific requirements of your recipe to achieve the desired flavor.
5. Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
Red pepper flakes, or gochugaru, make a good substitute for Gochujang due to their shared origin with red chili peppers. While they differ in texture and consistency, both ingredients contribute a spicy and slightly sweet flavor to dishes. Gochugaru provides a unique smokiness and vibrant color that may not be fully replicated, but it can still bring a similar level of heat and some depth to the dish.
Gochugaru is commonly used in Korean cuisine, and as a substitute for Gochujang, it’s suitable for recipes where the heat and flavor of Gochujang are essential. You can use gochugaru in marinades, sauces, and stews, providing a spicy kick to dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, or spicy Korean soups. Adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance and the specific requirements of your recipe, and enjoy the bold and distinctive flavor that gochugaru brings to Korean-inspired dishes.
6. Chili Garlic Sauce + Miso Paste
If you’re in a bind and don’t have gochujang, you can try combining chili garlic sauce and miso paste to approximate some of the flavor characteristics. However, it’s important to note that this substitute may alter the overall taste of your dish, and adjustments will be needed based on your preferences and the specific requirements of your recipe. Consider the consistency of the dish, as gochujang also contributes a thick, paste-like texture that may not be replicated by the other ingredients.
7. Tomato Paste + Chili Powder + Sugar
While tomato paste, chili powder, and sugar can provide a blend of sweetness, spiciness, and thickness similar to certain aspects of gochujang, it won’t fully replicate the distinct flavor profile of authentic gochujang. Gochujang has a unique combination of fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, and red chili peppers, resulting in a complex, sweet, and spicy taste with a specific texture.
If you don’t have gochujang, the tomato paste, chili powder, and sugar mixture can still add a rich and flavorful element to your dish. Adjust the quantities based on your preferences and the specific requirements of your recipe. Keep in mind that the substitute may not capture the exact nuances of gochujang, so it’s a good idea to experiment and taste as you go to achieve the desired flavor.
8. Ketchup + Soy Sauce + Sriracha
Ketchup, soy sauce, and sriracha can serve as a makeshift substitute for Gochujang, offering a flavorful blend that captures some aspects of the original’s sweet, savory, and spicy profile. This combination provides a tangy and spicy kick from the sriracha, a salty and umami depth from the soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from the ketchup. While it won’t precisely replicate the complexity of Gochujang’s fermentation, it can work well in a pinch for dishes that call for a similar flavor profile.
This substitute can be used in various recipes where Gochujang is a key ingredient, such as Korean-inspired marinades, dipping sauces, or glazes for grilled meats and vegetables. It’s particularly handy in dishes like bibimbap, stir-fries, or Korean-inspired tacos where the distinctive taste of Gochujang is desired. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences and the specific requirements of your recipe to achieve a balanced and flavorful result.
