Can You Substitute Gochujang for Gochugaru? Guide
Quick Answer
Yes, you can substitute gochujang for gochugaru in some recipes, but not all. Use 1 tablespoon gochujang for every 1 tablespoon gochugaru, but reduce other liquids in the recipe. Gochujang works best in marinades, sauces, and stews, while gochugaru is better for dry applications.
Best Substitutes
Gochujang for Gochugaru
1:1 (but reduce other liquids)Korean chili paste that contains gochugaru plus other ingredients
Best for:
Gochujang is thicker and contains salt, sugar, and fermented soybeans, so adjust other seasonings
Gochugaru for Gochujang
1:1 (but add liquid and seasonings)Korean chili flakes that are one ingredient in gochujang
Best for:
You'll need to add liquid, salt, and sweetness to approximate gochujang's flavor
Cooking Tips
- 💡When using gochujang instead of gochugaru, reduce salt and sugar in your recipe since gochujang contains both
- 💡Gochujang works best in wet applications like marinades, sauces, and stews
- 💡For dry applications like seasoning or kimchi, gochugaru is usually better
- 💡If substituting gochugaru for gochujang, add a little water, salt, and sugar to approximate the paste consistency
- 💡Gochujang has a more complex, fermented flavor that gochugaru alone can't replicate
- 💡For authentic Korean flavor, use the ingredient specified in the original recipe
- 💡Gochujang is shelf-stable and doesn't need refrigeration, while gochugaru should be stored in a cool, dry place
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute gochujang for gochugaru?
Yes, you can substitute gochujang for gochugaru in some recipes, but not all. Use 1:1 ratio but reduce other liquids and seasonings since gochujang contains salt and sugar.
Can I substitute gochugaru for gochujang?
You can substitute gochugaru for gochujang, but you'll need to add liquid, salt, and sweetness to approximate gochujang's flavor and texture. It won't be exactly the same.
What's the difference between gochugaru and gochujang?
Gochugaru is dried Korean chili flakes, while gochujang is a fermented chili paste made from gochugaru plus glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, salt, and sugar.
Can I use gochujang instead of gochugaru in kimchi?
No, gochujang is not suitable for kimchi. Kimchi requires gochugaru flakes for the right texture and flavor. Gochujang would make kimchi too sweet and pasty.
What's the ratio for substituting gochujang for gochugaru?
Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting gochujang for gochugaru, but reduce other liquids in your recipe and adjust salt and sugar since gochujang contains both.
Is gochujang hotter than gochugaru?
They have similar heat levels, but gochujang's heat is balanced by sweetness and salt, making it seem milder. Gochugaru provides pure chili heat.
Can I use gochugaru instead of gochujang in tteokbokki?
You can, but you'll need to add liquid, salt, and sweetness to approximate gochujang's flavor. Gochujang is the traditional choice for tteokbokki.
Which is better for Korean BBQ marinades?
Gochujang is better for Korean BBQ marinades because it provides the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami that's characteristic of Korean BBQ.
Can I make gochujang from gochugaru?
Making authentic gochujang requires fermentation and specific ingredients. While you can make a simple chili paste with gochugaru, it won't have the complex fermented flavor of real gochujang.
What's the best substitute for gochugaru in Korean cooking?
The best substitute depends on the dish. For kimchi, use red pepper flakes. For marinades and sauces, gochujang can work. For dry applications, use red pepper flakes or paprika.
Summary
Learn if you can substitute gochujang for gochugaru and vice versa. Complete guide with ratios, cooking tips, and when each works best in Korean recipes.