🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Korean Chili Paste Substitutes: for Korean Cooking

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

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Quick Answer

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 + 1/2 tbsp miso per tbsp.

Best Substitutes

Gochujang

1:1

Korean fermented chili paste with similar heat and umami depth to Korean chili paste. This is actually the same ingredient, so it's the perfect substitute.

Best for:

Korean disheswhen you want authentic Korean flavormarinadessaucesumami-rich recipes

Gochujang is the traditional Korean chili paste, so it's the ideal substitute. Use in equal amounts by volume.

Sriracha + Miso

1:1 Sriracha + 1/2 tbsp miso per tbsp

Hot sauce combined with miso paste to provide heat and umami similar to Korean chili paste.

Best for:

when you don't have Gochujangquick substitutionsgeneral Korean cookingmarinades

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

Red Pepper Flakes + Miso + Sugar

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

Spicy combination with fermented bean paste and sweetness that mimics the flavor of Korean chili paste.

Best for:

when you want to control ingredientshomemade alternativeswhen you don't have Gochujangsimple 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

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 Korean chili paste.

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 Korean chili paste.

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 Korean chili paste.

Cooking 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Gochujang instead of Korean chili paste?

Yes, Gochujang is actually the same ingredient as Korean chili paste, so it's the perfect 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 1/2 tbsp miso per tablespoon. For red pepper flakes + miso + sugar, use 1 tsp flakes with 1 tbsp miso and 1/2 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.

Summary

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