Gochugaru flakes substitutes
Gochugaru flakes substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Red pepper flakes
Half the amount of gochugaru flakes
Crushed red pepper flakes are usually cayenne-type chiles with the seeds left in, so they are hotter and sharper than gochugaru flakes and have none of their mild sweetness. Start with half the amount and add more to taste.
The best substitutes for gochugaru flakes are red pepper flakes, paprika, or other mild to medium heat peppers like aleppo pepper or chipotle powder, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 2 Oct 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of gochugaru flakes | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red pepper flakescooking | ½ × the amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Paprikacooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Aleppo peppercooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Chipotle powdercooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Cayenne peppercooking | ¼ × the amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Chili powdercooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Red pepper flakes
different taste, similar texture
Crushed red pepper flakes are usually cayenne-type chiles with the seeds left in, so they are hotter and sharper than gochugaru flakes and have none of their mild sweetness. Start with half the amount and add more to taste.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Heat varies by brand, so taste before adding the second half. For kimchi or any recipe that uses gochugaru by the quarter cup, start with a third of the amount and taste.
Paprika
different taste, similar texture
Similar red spice with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Different flavor, similar heat level.
Aleppo pepper
different taste, similar texture
Similar mild pepper with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Different flavor, similar heat level.
Chipotle powder
different taste, similar texture
Similar smoky pepper with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Different flavor, similar heat level.
Cayenne pepper
different taste · fine powder, not flakes
Cayenne is at least three times as hot as gochugaru and often far hotter (roughly 30,000-50,000 Scoville units against 1,500-10,000), and it is a fine powder with no sweetness, so an equal amount makes the dish far too hot.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Start with a quarter of the amount, taste, and add more a pinch at a time. For kimchi or any recipe that uses gochugaru by the quarter cup, start with an eighth and taste. Make up the rest of the volume with sweet paprika for color and body: about 3 parts paprika to 1 part cayenne, or 7 to 1 at the smaller amount.
Chili powder
different taste, similar texture
Similar spice blend with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, rubs, spice blends
Different flavor, similar heat level.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use red pepper flakes instead of gochugaru flakes?
Yes, but use less. Red pepper flakes are hotter and seedier than gochugaru flakes and lack their sweetness, so start with half the amount and add more to taste.
What's the difference between gochugaru flakes and red pepper flakes?
Gochugaru flakes are Korean red pepper flakes with mild to medium heat and smoky flavor, while red pepper flakes are general red pepper flakes with a sharper flavor, and are usually hotter.
Can I use paprika instead of gochugaru flakes?
Yes, paprika can work as a substitute, though it may have a different flavor. It has similar heat level and can be used in most recipes.
Why are gochugaru flakes so popular in Korean cooking?
Gochugaru flakes are popular in Korean cooking because they add mild to medium heat and smoky flavor that complements the ingredients and cooking styles of Korean cuisine.
Tips for substituting gochugaru flakes
6 tips- Gochugaru flakes add mild to medium heat and smoky flavor to dishes
- Gochugaru flakes can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Gochugaru flakes pair well with herbs, spices, and vegetables
- Gochugaru flakes work well in marinades and rubs
- Gochugaru flakes can be used to make spice blends
- Store gochugaru flakes in an airtight container