Out of Gochujang chili paste, one case
Gochujang chili paste substitutes for Korean cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Miso + chili flakes + sugar
Same amount as the gochujang chili paste
Miso + ½ tsp chili flakes + ½ tsp sugar
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 + ½ tsp chili flakes + ½ tsp sugar, or 1:1 Sriracha + ½ tbsp miso + ½ tsp sugar.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Korean dishes
One casethe full chili paste card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of gochujang chili paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miso + chili flakes + sugarKorean dishes | Same amountMiso + ½ tsp chili flakes + ½ tsp sugarWorks | Works |
| 2 | Sriracha + miso + sugarwhen you have Sriracha available | Same amountSriracha + ½ tbsp miso + ½ tsp sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Red pepper flakes + miso + sugar + oilwhen you want to control heat | 1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp miso + ½ tsp sugar + 1 tsp oilTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Hot sauce + soy sauce + sugarwhen you have hot sauce available | 2:1:1 hot sauce to soy sauce to sugarYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Cayenne pepper + miso + sugar + oilwhen you want to control heat | ½ tsp cayenne + 1 tbsp miso + ½ tsp sugar + 1 tsp oilTweak it | Tweak it |
Miso + chili flakes + sugar
similar taste and texture
Japanese fermented bean paste combined with chili flakes and sugar to mimic the heat, umami, and sweetness of gochujang.
- Best for
- Korean dishes, when you want fermented flavor, marinades, sauces, umami-rich recipes
Mix miso paste with red pepper flakes and sugar. Use ½ teaspoon of chili flakes and ½ teaspoon of sugar per tablespoon of miso for best results.
Sriracha + miso + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Hot sauce combined with miso paste and sugar to provide heat, umami, and sweetness similar to gochujang.
- Best for
- when you have Sriracha available, quick substitutions, general Korean cooking, marinades
Mix Sriracha with miso paste and sugar. Use ½ tablespoon of miso and ½ teaspoon of sugar per tablespoon of Sriracha for best results.
Red pepper flakes + miso + sugar + oil
different taste, similar texture
Spicy combination with fermented bean paste, sweetness, and oil that mimics the texture and flavor of gochujang.
- Best for
- when you want to control heat, homemade alternatives, when you don't have gochujang, simple 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
different taste and texture
Hot sauce combined with soy sauce and sugar to provide heat, umami, and sweetness similar to gochujang.
- Best for
- when you have hot sauce available, quick substitutions, general cooking, marinades
Mix hot sauce with soy sauce and sugar. Use a 2:1:1 ratio for best results.
Cayenne pepper + miso + sugar + oil
different taste, similar texture
Spicy combination with fermented bean paste, sweetness, and oil that mimics the texture and flavor of gochujang.
- Best for
- when you want to control heat, homemade alternatives, when you don't have gochujang, simple recipes
Mix cayenne pepper with miso paste, sugar, and oil. This combination provides heat, umami, sweetness, and body similar to gochujang.
How gochujang chili paste compares
Gochujang is a specific type of fermented chili paste known for its combination of heat, umami, and sweetness. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar heat levels and include the essential umami and sweet components.
Tips for substituting gochujang chili paste
5 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
Notes on gochujang chili paste
- Make your own gochujang by fermenting chili flakes with glutinous rice and soybeans
- Use different types of fermented bean pastes with added chili and sugar based on availability
- Combine multiple substitutes for a more complex flavor profile
- Adjust heat levels by using milder or hotter versions of your chosen substitute
Questions
5 questionsCan 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 ½ teaspoon of chili flakes and ½ teaspoon of sugar.
What's the best ratio for gochujang substitute?
For miso + chili flakes + sugar, use 1:1 miso with ½ tsp chili flakes and ½ tsp sugar. For Sriracha + miso + sugar, use 1:1 Sriracha with ½ tbsp miso and ½ 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.