🌿 Spices & Herbs

Cayenne Pepper as Gochugaru Substitute: Complete Guide

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Quick Answer

Yes, you can use cayenne pepper as a gochugaru substitute, but use it sparingly as it's much hotter. Use 1/4 to 1/2 the amount of gochugaru called for. Cayenne works best when you want maximum heat, but you'll need to add sweetness to balance the flavor.

Best Substitutes

Pure Cayenne Pepper

1/4 to 1/2 (use less than gochugaru)

Pure ground cayenne with intense heat

Best for:

when you want maximum heatspicy dishesheat without sweetness

Much hotter than gochugaru, use sparingly and add sweetness

Cayenne + Sugar Mix

1:1 (1 part cayenne, 1 part sugar)

Cayenne mixed with sugar to balance heat and add sweetness

Best for:

when you want heat with sweetnesskimchimarinades

Sugar helps balance the intense heat of cayenne

Cayenne + Paprika Mix

1:3 (1 part cayenne, 3 parts paprika)

Cayenne mixed with paprika for color and balanced heat

Best for:

when you want color and heatkimchiseasoning

Paprika provides color while cayenne provides heat

Cayenne + Red Pepper Flakes Mix

1:2 (1 part cayenne, 2 parts red pepper flakes)

Cayenne mixed with red pepper flakes for texture and heat

Best for:

when you want texture and heatkimchiseasoning

Red pepper flakes provide texture while cayenne provides heat

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Cayenne pepper is much hotter than gochugaru, so always use less
  • 💡Start with 1/4 the amount of gochugaru and adjust to taste
  • 💡Add sugar or honey to balance the intense heat of cayenne
  • 💡Mix cayenne with paprika or red pepper flakes for better texture
  • 💡Cayenne works best in cooked dishes where the heat can mellow
  • 💡For kimchi, mix cayenne with oil to create a paste-like consistency
  • 💡Taste your cayenne before using to determine its heat level

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Learn how to use cayenne pepper as a gochugaru substitute. Discover ratios, flavor differences, and best uses in Korean cooking and kimchi making.