🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Gochujang Chili Paste Substitutes: for Korean Cooking

Find the best substitutes for gochujang chili paste in Korean recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for authentic Korean flavor.

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Quick Answer

The best gochujang chili paste substitutes are Miso + Chili Flakes + Sugar, Sriracha + Miso + Sugar, and Red Pepper Flakes + Miso + Sugar + Oil. Use 1:1 miso + 1/2 tsp chili flakes + 1/2 tsp sugar, or 1:1 Sriracha + 1/2 tbsp miso + 1/2 tsp sugar.

Best Substitutes

Miso + Chili Flakes + Sugar

1:1 miso + 1/2 tsp chili flakes + 1/2 tsp sugar

Japanese fermented bean paste combined with chili flakes and sugar to mimic the heat, umami, and sweetness of gochujang.

Best for:

Korean disheswhen you want fermented flavormarinadessaucesumami-rich recipes

Mix miso paste with red pepper flakes and sugar. Use 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar per tablespoon of miso for best results.

Sriracha + Miso + Sugar

1:1 Sriracha + 1/2 tbsp miso + 1/2 tsp sugar

Hot sauce combined with miso paste and sugar to provide heat, umami, and sweetness similar to gochujang.

Best for:

when you have Sriracha availablequick substitutionsgeneral Korean cookingmarinades

Mix Sriracha with miso paste and sugar. Use 1/2 tablespoon of miso and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar per tablespoon of Sriracha for best results.

Red Pepper Flakes + Miso + Sugar + Oil

1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp miso + 1/2 tsp sugar + 1 tsp oil

Spicy combination with fermented bean paste, sweetness, and oil that mimics the texture and flavor of gochujang.

Best for:

when you want to control heathomemade alternativeswhen you don't have gochujangsimple recipes

Mix red pepper flakes with miso paste, sugar, and oil. This combination provides heat, umami, sweetness, and body similar to gochujang.

Hot Sauce + Soy Sauce + Sugar

2:1:1 hot sauce to soy sauce to sugar

Hot sauce combined with soy sauce and sugar to provide heat, umami, and sweetness similar to gochujang.

Best for:

when you have hot sauce availablequick substitutionsgeneral cookingmarinades

Mix hot sauce with soy sauce and sugar. Use a 2:1:1 ratio for best results.

Cayenne Pepper + Miso + Sugar + Oil

1/2 tsp cayenne + 1 tbsp miso + 1/2 tsp sugar + 1 tsp oil

Spicy combination with fermented bean paste, sweetness, and oil that mimics the texture and flavor of gochujang.

Best for:

when you want to control heathomemade alternativeswhen you don't have gochujangsimple recipes

Mix cayenne pepper with miso paste, sugar, and oil. This combination provides heat, umami, sweetness, and body similar to gochujang.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Gochujang is known for its combination of heat, umami, and sweetness - choose substitutes that can provide all three
  • 💡For best results, use fermented bean paste like miso in your substitutes to match the umami flavor
  • 💡Gochujang typically has a moderate heat level - adjust your substitute accordingly
  • 💡Gochujang often contains additional seasonings - consider adding these to your substitute
  • 💡Store homemade gochujang substitutes in the refrigerator for up to a week

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use miso instead of gochujang?

Yes, miso can work as a substitute, but you'll need to add chili flakes and sugar to match the heat and sweetness. Mix 1 tablespoon of miso with 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.

What's the best ratio for gochujang substitute?

For miso + chili flakes + sugar, use 1:1 miso with 1/2 tsp chili flakes and 1/2 tsp sugar. For Sriracha + miso + sugar, use 1:1 Sriracha with 1/2 tbsp miso and 1/2 tsp sugar.

Why doesn't my dish taste right with gochujang substitutes?

Common issues include not adding enough umami flavor, missing the sweetness, or not accounting for different heat levels. Make sure to include fermented bean paste and sugar in your substitute and start with less substitute, adding more gradually.

Can I make my own gochujang substitute?

Yes, blend fermented bean paste with chili flakes, sugar, and oil, then cook until thick. You can also mix hot sauce with miso, soy sauce, and sugar for a quick substitute.

What's the difference between gochujang and other chili pastes?

Gochujang is fermented and contains glutinous rice, giving it a unique texture and sweetness. Other chili pastes may not have the fermented component or sweetness.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for gochujang chili paste in Korean recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for authentic Korean flavor.