Gochugaru substitutes
Gochugaru substitutes — 3 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Also called Korean chili flakes, Korean red pepper flakes
Use Red pepper flakes
Half the amount of gochugaru
Crushed red pepper flakes are usually cayenne-type chiles with the seeds left in, so they are hotter and sharper than gochugaru and have none of its mild sweetness. Start with half the amount and add more to taste.
The best substitutes for gochugaru are red pepper flakes, paprika, or cayenne pepper, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 8 Oct 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of gochugaru | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red pepper flakescooking | ½ × the amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Paprikacooking | Same amountPlus a pinch of cayenne for heatTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Cayenne peppercooking | ¼ × the amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste 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 and have none of its mild sweetness. Start with half the amount and add more to taste.
- Best for
- cooking, seasoning, marinades, 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. The seeds stay visible in the dish, where gochugaru is seedless flakes.
Paprika
different taste, similar texture
Sweet paprika gives the red color and mild sweetness of gochugaru but almost no heat.
- Best for
- cooking, seasoning, marinades, spice blends
Use the same amount for color and body, then add cayenne a pinch at a time if the dish needs heat. Hot paprika brings some heat of its own. Smoked paprika is much smokier than gochugaru, so use it only where that suits the dish.
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, seasoning, marinades, 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.
Questions
3 questionsCan I use red pepper flakes instead of gochugaru?
Yes, but use less. Red pepper flakes are hotter and seedier than gochugaru and lack its sweetness, so start with half the amount and add more to taste.
What's the difference between gochugaru and red pepper flakes?
Gochugaru is specifically Korean red pepper flakes with a mild, sweet flavor, while red pepper flakes are more generic and are usually hotter.
Can I use gochugaru in non-Korean dishes?
Yes, gochugaru can be used in various dishes, but it will add a distinctive Korean flavor profile.
Tips for substituting gochugaru
4 tips- Gochugaru is mild and sweet, good for Korean cooking
- It's commonly used in kimchi, gochujang, and Korean stews
- Gochugaru has a unique flavor that's hard to replicate
- It pairs well with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce