As the use of gochujang in recipes increases, a problem is starting to arise for cooks who don’t live in Korea: where can I get my hands on this paste? Some will be lucky enough to have a well-stocked supermarket or, even better, an Asian grocer nearby. Of course, you can always buy online from Amazon if you’ve got time up your sleeve.
For those of you that need a gochujang substitute, you’re in the right place! We’ve compiled our favorite options, which are all easy to find in the store. But keep in mind that none of these backup options will be a perfect match. Gochujang offers a very unique, complex flavor thanks to its time-consuming fermentation process. The result is a flavor profile that has spice but also a sour undertone you can only get from a fermented product. Table of Contents
Gochujang, aka kochujang, is a Korean fermented chili paste that is a mix of hot, sweet and savory all rolled into one. Although it’s a popular condiment for octopus in Korea, gochujang makes a flavor-packed addition to meat, salad, stews, vegetables, and soup. Koreans love to add this miso-like ingredient to bibimbap which is a flavor-filled bowl of rice, meat, egg, seasoning, and sauces.
Gochujang ingredients will vary depending on the manufacturer; however, the main components are chili peppers, fermented soybeans, rice powder, and salt.
Korean chili peppers are often used to make gochujang, offering a flavor profile that’s spicy as well as sweet. They give gochujang its distinctive taste.
Lets dive in and see what your options are if you cant get your hands on the real thing.
Where to Buy Gochujang Sauce?
Well you can find the chili sauce at most of the Korean markets. They are sold in the form of bottles or tubs. Be sure to check out their labels and expiry date before you purchase.
And oh, be careful of any knock-offs. Since it’s getting a huge demand from consumers, some companies are trying to imitate few of the well-known brands.
Here are some of the decent and best gochujang brands that I normally use.
This chili paste is believed to be one of the best gochujang by the Koreans. It is rich in flavour, spicy with some sweetness and the perfect sauce for cooking Korean dishes. I like this brand very much.
I would consider this chili paste as a 1st or 2nd choice as an alternative to gochujang. This chili paste is also rated as No.1 best seller in Korea. The spicy level is around medium hot while containing a little bit of sweetness. Goes quite well with Bulgogi and Bibibap.
This brand uses sun-dried red peppers and give a good spicy flavor. Can be used as a marinade with some Asian ingredients and sauces. Price is reasonable. Goes well with bibimbap too.
Seldom do I use this chili paste though it’s kind of very common in the market. It is great for all kind of cooking and contains no preservatives! 100% sun-dried peppers are used for fermenting. You may find the spiciness suitable to your taste buds.
Korean food is not only one of my favorite cuisines, but one that I find super healthy and filling. However, I often find myself looking for gochujang all the time. This is not an everyday food for everyone, so at times, it is best to know what other ingredients to use. Table Of Contents
You can sometimes find gochujang in some grocery stores by the Asian foods’ aisle, but Korean food markets will certainly have it. Some brands are more or less spicy, so be careful when you find it.
Because gochujang is a paste, it is not meant to be used as a topping, but rather as part of the cooking.
Yes, you can use sambal oelek instead of gochujang and vice versa. Some think sambal oelek is spicier, so you could add a dash of chili powder or sriracha to the gochujang. If you want to use sambal oelek instead of gochujang, consider adding some cornstarch or rice flour to thicken it and reduce the heat.
There are many reasons why someone would need to avoid gochujang. Here are some of the most common:
A quick made-from-scratch option: Red Pepper Flakes
Replicate that sweet and spicy flavor with the help of a paste made from red pepper flakes. Add a splash of soy sauce to a small bowl then mix in a teaspoon of red pepper and a pinch of sugar. Be very light-handed with the sugar; over sweetening this paste will result in an unpleasant taste that will ruin your dish.
FAQ
Can I substitute sambal oelek for gochujang?
What can I substitute for sambal oelek?
- Sriracha – often the best substitution.
- Harissa – it will alter the final flavor of your dish, but can still be rather tasty.
- Chinese Chili Sauce or Paste.
- Any Basic Chili Paste.
- Gochujang – has a deeper, more fermented flavor.
What can I use as a substitute for gochujang?
Is chili paste the same as gochujang?
