Do you ever find yourself with unusual ingredients you bought for a recipe, but don’t know what to do with them afterwards? Gochujang is one such ingredient. We love using this spicy fermented chilli paste inhotpotsandstir fry dishes, but this versatile, mouthwatering paste has so much more to offer.
What is gochujang? What is it made of?
Gochujang is a deep red, smooth and spicy paste popular in Korean cuisine. A staple condiment, it’s made from Korean chilli powder (gochugaru), fermented soybean powder (mejugaru), glutinous rice powder (sssalgaru) and salt. The traditional method to make gochujang can take anywhere from three to six months, where the paste is stored in a clay pot and aged in full sun.
What does gochujang taste like?
We think gochujang has a deep, rich tomato-like flavour – sweet, sour and spicy all in one! But it might surprise you how complex the flavour actually is. Fermentation gives it a deliciously salty umami kick, while Korean chilli powder gives a hint of sweetness to round it all out.
How spicy is gochujang?
Gochujang can be found in both mild and hot versions. If you’re worried about too much spice when using it for the first time, try adding less than the recipe requires until you become used to the flavour and heat level. Then you can happily adjust until you get the perfect spice level to suit your preference.
What is gochujang used for?
We use gochujang most often as a base for stews such as Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew), Dakgalbi (Spicy Korean Chicken Stir Fry) and Tteokbokki. It can also be used to amp up dipping sauces, bring savoury intensity to soups, and be slathered on as a marinade for meats such as Korean fried chicken.
It’s also the base ingredient forssamjang, a popular dipping sauce for Korean BBQ, dished up with platters of grilled pork belly, beef, lettuce and onion.
Easy Korean Army Stew – Budae Jjigae
Spice things up with this quick and easy Korean Army Stew, on the table in less than 30 minutes! Filled with noodles, kimchi and veggies, this mouthwatering budae jjigae recipe is perfect for sharing and cooking with friends!
Easy Korean Army Stew – Budae Jjigae
Tteokbokki – Spicy Korean Rice Cakes
Get this easy tteokbokki recipe on the table in just 10 minutes! This spicy Korean rice cake stir fry features chewy tteok rice cakes in a flavour-packed tteokbokki sauce. It’s quick, easy and deliciously spicy.
Tteokbokki – Spicy Korean Rice Cakes
Easy Dakgalbi – Korean Chicken Stir Fry
Dakgalbi is the most irresistible Korean chicken stir fry, perfect as a flavour-packed dinner or fun meal with friends! Loaded with succulent chicken in a spicy gochujang sauce, stir fried to perfection with chewy rice cakes and delicious veggies.
Easy Dakgalbi – Korean Chicken Stir Fry
What can I use instead of gochujang?
A quick and easy substitute for gochujang is to make your own blend using miso paste and Korean red chilli pepper powder. This will head you in the right direction towards the salty-sweet-spicy-umami profile gochujang is best known for. If you don’t have Korean chilli powder, you can substitute with regular chilli powder or equal parts cayenne and paprika. You can also try adding a sprinkling of sugar or a dash of soy sauce for good measure. Give it a try and see what you think.
After all, we think the most important part is to have fun with cooking – be curious, adventurous, and enjoy the process of discovery!
Does gochujang expire?
As long as you store it in the fridge, gochujang should easily last a couple of years after opening. During this time you might notice a separation of the liquid, it’s fine to give it a good stir and use as normal.
Where to buy gochujang?
Gochujang can be found at your local Asian supermarket or grocery. If you don’t have one nearby, you can alsopurchase direct from Amazon. You might even find it at your regular supermarket, especially if it has a good selection of imported ingredients.
It’s also totally possible tomake gochujang at home– but remember, it will take up to six months in the sun to fully ferment. That’s a commitment to flavour you can be proud of!
How to Make Gochujang at Home! | Kimchi Mari
Home made Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) is simply the best and making it is easier than you might think.
Is Gochujang vegan and vegetarian friendly?
Yes and yes! So smother your tofu, veggies and other amazing ingredients in this sauce – Right. Now!
15 Ways to Use Gochujang Korean Chilli Paste
As a sauce or condiment
Simple Korean Bibimbap Sauce Recipe
Sweet, savoury and SPICY, this easy bibimbap sauce is ready to add a burst of flavour heat to your favourite Korean recipes. Try it with your next bibimbap rice bowl, spicy rice cake skewers and so much more!
Simple Korean Bibimbap Sauce Recipe
All Purpose Gochujang Sauce Recipe
This easy and fast gochujang sauce is ready to add huge flavour and heat to all your favourite recipes (not just Korean)! Try it with stir fries, noodles, pasta and more.
All Purpose Gochujang Sauce Recipe
Easy Chicken Bibimbap – Korean Rice Bowl
A classic with a twist, fill up on this amazing Korean rice bowl! This easy chicken bibimbap is topped with marinated chicken mince, spinach, bean shoots, bibimbap sauce and the iconic sunny side-up egg.
Easy Chicken Bibimbap – Korean Rice Bowl
Vegan Korean Mushroom Bulgogi Bowl | Rachael Hartley Nutrition
This veggie packed vegan Korean mushroom bulgogi bowl uses meaty portobello mushrooms in lieu of beef! It’s easy for meal prep, and topped with a spicy sriracha mayo sauce!
Vegan Korean Mushroom Bulgogi Bowl | Rachael Hartley Nutrition
Epic Korean Braised Potatoes – Gamja Jorim
Gamja jorim will transform your humble potatoes into the star of the show! These delicious Korean soy braised potatoes are simmered to perfection, savoury and sweet with a touch of spice. Serve this delicious Korean side dish alongside steamed rice and other Korean favourites likebulgogi beef.
Epic Korean Braised Potatoes – Gamja Jorim
As a marinade
Korean Spicy Chilli Bulgogi | All Ways Delicious
Spicy Korean chicken is flavoured with gochujang, a fermented red chilli paste that is spicy and full of umami. This Korean chicken recipe is easy to make either on the barbecue grill or in a grill pan on the stovetop.
Pressure Cooker Korean Pork Ribs | Supergolden Bakes
These pressure cooker Korean pork ribs are irresistible and very easy to prepare. Deliciously sticky and finger lickin’ good! This recipe is also suitable for your slow cooker.
Spicy Korean Chicken in Gochujang Sauce | Where Is My Spoon
A spicy Korean chicken recipe: gochujang chicken breast with green onions, a healthy and easy way of enjoying chicken Korean style.
Spicy Korean Chicken in Gochujang Sauce | Where Is My Spoon
As a dressing
Spicy Beef Soba Noodle Salad | Delightful Plate
This Spicy Beef Soba Noodle Salad is not only easy to make but also healthy and filling. It features beef, soba noodle, lots of fresh and crisp vegetables and a spicy gochujang dressing.
Quick Gochujang Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce
A tasty spicy dipping sauce you can whip up in 2 minutes flat. Just 4 ingredients and you'll be ready to dip just about anything in this quick gochujang mayonnaise!
Quick Gochujang Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce
As a glaze
Steamed Chicken Breast with Gochujang Glaze | Krumpli
Gentle cooking is often associated with slow cooking but this simply steamed chicken breast in Korean Gojhujang glaze cooks in less than 20 minutes and tastes sublime.
Korean Gochujang Ribs | Bacon Is Magic
Korean gochujang ribs are a spicy twist on a classic favourite. So easy to make as barbecued ribs, in the oven or slow cooker.
Gochujang Bean Balls | Quite Good Food
Gochujang is the star of the show in thisfull on, flavour packed, Korean style take on vegan meat balls.
Asparagus with Spicy Gochujang Glaze | Kroll’s Korner
Spice up your side dishes with these spicy Korean hot pepper asparagus spears and green beans!
As a base for soups, stews or pasta
Korean Spicy Gochujang Stew – Gochujang Jjigae
Crank up the heat with this amazing homemade gochujang jjigae. This easy Korean gochujang stew is spicy, savoury, satisfying, and on the table in just 20 minutes.
Korean Spicy Gochujang Stew – Gochujang Jjigae
Tteokbokki – Spicy Korean Rice Cakes
Get this easy tteokbokki recipe on the table in just 10 minutes! This spicy Korean rice cake stir fry features chewy tteok rice cakes in a flavour-packed tteokbokki sauce. It’s quick, easy and deliciously spicy.
Tteokbokki – Spicy Korean Rice Cakes
10 Minute Creamy Gochujang Pasta
You’ll love this quick and creamy gochujang pasta, ready in only 10 minutes! Spicy and satisfying, use the base recipe for an effortless meal, or amp it up with chicken or veggies to make it go even further.
10 Minute Creamy Gochujang Pasta
Gochujang Hobak Jjigae – Spicy Zucchini Soup | Daily Cooking Quest
Korean gochujang hobak jjigae is hot pepper paste, zucchini, tofu, shiitake, and onion mingles together in wonderfully aromatic anchovy soup.
Gochujang Hobak Jjigae – Spicy Zucchini Soup | Daily Cooking Quest
For something a little bit different
Crazy Good Gochujang & Peanut Butter Sandwiches | Quite Good Food
A ridiculously delicious sandwich combo for the chilli lovers, featuring fiery Korean hot pepper paste and peanut butter.
Crazy Good Gochujang & Peanut Butter Sandwiches | Quite Good Food
These recipes are sure to help you find new and exciting ways to use up your tub of gochujang paste. All you need to do now is decide: Which recipe will you try first?
And if you’ve already tried one or more of these tasty dishes, let us know how it turned out in the comments!
Looking for MORE delicious ingredient ideas to use up those condiments in the cupboard? Try these:
- 12 Incredibly Healthy Recipes Using Miso Paste… Including Dessert!
- Top 12 BEST Recipes with Kewpie Mayo
- 10+ Epic Japanese Sauces Anyone Can Make At Home
- 8+ Simple Tofu Recipes and Marinade Ideas
- 6+ Easy Daikon Recipes + More Ways to Use It
15K Shares
About Wandercooks
Wandercooks is an Australian recipe site reaching over 9 million views annually. Our recipes are here to inspire you with fresh and exciting food ideas from a range of Asian, European and Australian cuisines. As seen on Google.com, Today.com, Buzzfeed, Jetstar Asia and Lonely Planet.Read more...
