Out of Gochugaru, one case
Gochugaru substitutes for kimchi
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Red pepper flakes + paprika
3 parts red pepper flakes to 1 part paprika
Best overall substitute for kimchi
- The tweak —
- Mix together before adding to kimchi paste
- Best for —
- napa cabbage kimchi
One casethe full gochugaru flakes card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of gochugaru |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red pepper flakes + paprikanapa cabbage kimchi | 3 parts red pepper flakes to 1 part paprika |
| 2 | Red pepper flakes + sugarnapa cabbage kimchi | Same amountPlus ¼ tsp sugar per tbsp |
| 3 | Aleppo peppernapa cabbage kimchi | Same amount |
| 4 | Red pepper flakes + smoked paprika + sugarnapa cabbage kimchi | 2:1:1 (red pepper flakes to smoked paprika to sugar) |
| 5 | Paprika + cayennenapa cabbage kimchi | 2 parts paprika to 1 part cayenne |
Red pepper flakes + paprika
closer to gochugaru · similar texture
Best overall substitute for kimchi
- Best for
- napa cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi, cucumber kimchi, water kimchi
- Prep
- Mix together before adding to kimchi paste
Paprika adds sweetness and color, red pepper flakes add heat.
Red pepper flakes + sugar
closer to gochugaru · similar texture
Simple substitute that adds sweetness
- Best for
- napa cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi, cucumber kimchi
- Prep
- Mix sugar with red pepper flakes before using
Sugar helps replicate gochugaru's natural sweetness.
Aleppo pepper
different but pleasant · similar texture
Mild pepper with fruity flavor, good for kimchi
- Best for
- napa cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi, cucumber kimchi
- Prep
- Use directly as substitute
Similar heat level to gochugaru, fruity flavor.
Red pepper flakes + smoked paprika + sugar
closest to gochugaru · similar texture
Complex blend that mimics gochugaru's flavor profile
- Best for
- napa cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi, cucumber kimchi
- Prep
- Mix all ingredients together before using
Most complex flavor profile, closest to gochugaru.
Paprika + cayenne
sweet and spicy
Sweet and hot combination for kimchi
- Best for
- napa cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi, cucumber kimchi
- Texture
- powder form
- Prep
- Mix together before using
Paprika adds sweetness, cayenne adds heat.
The longer answer
About this case
Kimchi is one of the most iconic Korean dishes, and gochugaru flakes are essential for its signature flavor. While nothing can well replicate gochugaru's unique Korean terroir, there are excellent substitutes that can help you create delicious kimchi when gochugaru isn't available. The key is finding the right balance of heat, sweetness, and texture.
Tips for substituting gochugaru
8 tips- Gochugaru is essential for authentic kimchi flavor - try to find it if possible
- For kimchi, the substitute should have mild to medium heat
- Kimchi benefits from sweet and spicy combinations
- The texture should be flaky, not powdery, for authentic kimchi
- Test your substitute in small batches before making large quantities
- Consider the fermentation process when choosing a substitute
- Kimchi often uses gochugaru in large quantities - adjust accordingly
- The substitute should be able to handle the fermentation process
Notes on gochugaru
- Napa cabbageRed pepper flakes + paprika3 × the amountMild heat with sweetness works best for napa cabbage kimchi
- RadishAleppo pepper or red pepper flakes + sugarSame amount, or 1:1 + ¼ tsp sugar per tbspFruity or sweet and spicy combinations work well
- CucumberRed pepper flakes + paprika3 × the amountMild heat with sweetness for cucumber kimchi
- WaterRed pepper flakes + sugarSame amount, plus ¼ tsp sugar per tbspSweet and spicy combination for water kimchi
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for gochugaru flakes in kimchi?
For kimchi, a combination of red pepper flakes and paprika (3:1 ratio) works best. This provides the right balance of heat and sweetness that's characteristic of gochugaru. You can also add a pinch of sugar to mimic gochugaru's natural sweetness.
Can I use regular red pepper flakes in kimchi?
Yes, but start with less than the recipe calls for since red pepper flakes are often hotter than gochugaru. You may also want to add a pinch of sugar to mimic gochugaru's natural sweetness. The flavor won't be exactly the same, but it will work.
Why is gochugaru so important in kimchi?
Gochugaru is essential to kimchi because it provides the good balance of mild heat, sweetness, and smoky flavor that defines this iconic Korean dish. It's used in the kimchi paste and its unique flavor profile is hard to replicate with other peppers.
Can I use chipotle powder instead of gochugaru in kimchi?
Chipotle powder can work in kimchi, but it may be too smoky and hot. If you use it, start with less than the recipe calls for and consider mixing it with paprika to balance the flavor. The smoky flavor can actually complement kimchi quite well.
Will my kimchi taste authentic without gochugaru?
While your kimchi won't taste exactly like the original, you can still create delicious kimchi with good substitutes. The key is to balance heat, sweetness, and texture. For the most authentic taste, try to find gochugaru, but good substitutes can still create satisfying results.