🌿 Spices & Herbs

Can You Substitute Gochujang for Gochugaru? Guide

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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:

marinadessaucesstewssoupsglazes

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:

dry rubsseasoningkimchiwhen you need just heat without sweetness

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

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.