Out of Korean chili paste, one case
Korean chili paste substitutes for Korean cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Gochujang
Same amount as the Korean chili paste
The best Korean chili paste substitutes are Gochujang, Sriracha + Miso, and Red Pepper Flakes + Miso + Sugar. Use 1:1 ratio for Gochujang, or 1:1 Sriracha + ½ tbsp miso per tbsp.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Korean dishes
One casethe full chili paste card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Korean chili paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GochujangKorean dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Sriracha + misowhen you don't have Gochujang | Same amountSriracha + ½ tbsp miso per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Red pepper flakes + miso + sugarwhen you want to control ingredients | 1 tsp flakes + 1 tbsp miso + ½ tsp sugarYou'll taste it | You'll taste 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 |
Gochujang
identical taste and texture
Korean fermented chili paste with similar heat and umami depth to Korean chili paste. This is actually the same ingredient, so it's the good substitute.
- Best for
- Korean dishes, when you want authentic Korean flavor, marinades, sauces, umami-rich recipes
Gochujang is the traditional Korean chili paste, so it's the ideal substitute. Use in equal amounts by volume.
Sriracha + miso
different taste, similar texture
Hot sauce combined with miso paste to provide heat and umami similar to Korean chili paste.
- Best for
- when you don't have Gochujang, quick substitutions, general Korean cooking, marinades
Mix Sriracha with miso paste. Use ½ tablespoon of miso per tablespoon of Sriracha for best results.
Red pepper flakes + miso + sugar
different taste and texture
Spicy combination with fermented bean paste and sweetness that mimics the flavor of Korean chili paste.
- Best for
- when you want to control ingredients, homemade alternatives, when you don't have Gochujang, simple recipes
Mix red pepper flakes with miso paste and sugar. This combination provides heat, umami, and sweetness similar to Korean chili paste.
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 Korean chili paste.
- 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 Korean chili paste.
- 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 Korean chili paste.
How Korean chili paste compares
Korean chili paste (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 Korean chili paste
5 tips- Korean chili paste 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
- Korean chili paste typically has a moderate heat level - adjust your substitute accordingly
- Korean chili paste often contains additional seasonings - consider adding these to your substitute
- Store homemade Korean chili paste substitutes in the refrigerator for up to a week
Notes on Korean chili paste
- Make your own Korean chili paste 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 Gochujang instead of Korean chili paste?
Yes, Gochujang is actually the same ingredient as Korean chili paste, so it's the good substitute. Use it in a 1:1 ratio.
What's the best ratio for Korean chili paste substitute?
For Gochujang, use 1:1 ratio. For Sriracha + miso, use 1:1 Sriracha with ½ tbsp miso per tablespoon. For red pepper flakes + miso + sugar, use 1 tsp flakes with 1 tbsp miso and ½ tsp sugar.
Why doesn't my dish taste right with Korean chili paste 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 Korean chili paste 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 Korean chili paste and other chili pastes?
Korean chili paste (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.