Out of Gochugaru, one case
Gochugaru substitute for kimchi
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Red pepper flakes
1 part for every 3 parts gochugaru
The best gochugaru substitutes for kimchi are red pepper flakes (start with a third of the amount, since they are hotter), paprika mixed with cayenne pepper (2:1 ratio), or a combination of paprika and red pepper flakes. These provide the right heat level and color for authentic kimchi.
- Best for —
- all types of kimchi
One casethe full gochugaru card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of gochugaru |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red pepper flakesall types of kimchi | 1 part for every 3 parts |
| 2 | Paprika + cayenne pepperwhen you want to control heat level | 2 parts paprika, 1 part cayenne |
| 3 | Paprika + red pepper flakeswhen you want both flakes and color | Same amount |
| 4 | Cayenne pepperwhen you want maximum heat | 1 part for every 8 parts |
| 5 | Paprikamild kimchi | Same amount |
| 6 | Crushed red pepperwhen other options aren't available | 1 part for every 3 parts |
Red pepper flakes
hotter and sharper, less sweet
The closest substitute in texture, but hotter than gochugaru and without its sweetness, so it goes in at a fraction of the amount
- Best for
- all types of kimchi, when you need authentic heat level
- Texture
- similar flakes
- Heat level
- medium to hot
- Color
- red
- Authenticity
- High - closest to gochugaru
Kimchi uses gochugaru by the quarter cup, so start with a third of the amount, taste the paste, and work up toward half only if it is mild. Heat varies by brand.
Paprika + cayenne pepper
similar to mild gochugaru
Combination that mimics gochugaru's color and heat
- Best for
- when you want to control heat level, mild kimchi
- Texture
- powder (mix with a little oil for paste)
- Heat level
- mild to medium
- Color
- red
- Authenticity
- Medium - good color, different texture
Adjust ratio based on desired heat - more cayenne for hotter kimchi.
Paprika + red pepper flakes
similar to mild gochugaru
Combination that provides both color and texture
- Best for
- when you want both flakes and color, balanced kimchi
- Texture
- flakes with powder
- Heat level
- mild to medium
- Color
- red
- Authenticity
- Medium - good balance of flavor and texture
Mix well to distribute evenly throughout the kimchi.
Cayenne pepper
much hotter than gochugaru
Pure heat substitute for gochugaru
- Best for
- when you want maximum heat, spicy kimchi
- Texture
- powder
- Heat level
- very hot
- Color
- red
- Authenticity
- Low - too hot, wrong texture
Cayenne is much hotter than gochugaru. Kimchi uses gochugaru by the quarter cup, so start with an eighth of the amount, taste the paste, and work up toward a quarter. Make up the volume with paprika for color.
Paprika
mild, no heat
Mild substitute with good color but no heat
- Best for
- mild kimchi, when you want color without heat
- Texture
- powder
- Heat level
- none
- Color
- red
- Authenticity
- Low - no heat, wrong texture
Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
Crushed red pepper
varies by brand
Generic red pepper flakes with varying heat levels
- Best for
- when other options aren't available, emergency substitute
- Texture
- flakes
- Heat level
- varies
- Color
- red
- Authenticity
- Medium - depends on brand quality
Heat level varies by brand, so start with a third of the amount and taste the paste before adding more.
| Substitute | Heat level | Color | Authenticity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red pepper flakes | medium to hot | red | High - closest to gochugaru |
| Paprika + cayenne pepper | mild to medium | red | Medium - good color, different texture |
| Paprika + red pepper flakes | mild to medium | red | Medium - good balance of flavor and texture |
| Cayenne pepper | very hot | red | Low - too hot, wrong texture |
| Paprika | none | red | Low - no heat, wrong texture |
| Crushed red pepper | varies | red | Medium - depends on brand quality |
The longer answer
About this case
Kimchi is the heart of Korean cuisine, and gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) is its essential ingredient. However, when gochugaru isn't available, there are several substitutes that can help you create delicious kimchi.
Tips for substituting gochugaru
7 tips- For authentic kimchi flavor, red pepper flakes are the best substitute for gochugaru
- If using powder substitutes, mix with a little sesame oil to create a paste-like consistency
- Taste your substitute before adding to kimchi to ensure the heat level is right
- Gochugaru has a unique sweet-spicy flavor that's hard to replicate exactly
- For mild kimchi, use paprika with a pinch of cayenne pepper
- For spicy kimchi, use red pepper flakes or increase the cayenne in your mix
- The color of your kimchi will be slightly different with substitutes, but the taste can still be excellent
Notes on gochugaru
Traditional napa cabbage kimchi
Red pepper flakes provide the closest substitute to gochugaru for authentic kimchi
Ingredients
- 1 large napa cabbage, cut into pieces
- ¼ cup salt
- ¼ cup red pepper flakes (gochugaru substitute)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 daikon radish, julienned
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Salt cabbage pieces and let sit for 2 hours, turning occasionally
- Rinse cabbage thoroughly and drain well
- Mix red pepper flakes with fish sauce and sugar
- Add garlic, ginger, green onions, and daikon to the spice mixture
- Toss cabbage with the spice mixture, making sure each piece is coated
- Pack into clean jars, pressing down to remove air bubbles
- Let ferment at room temperature for 3-5 days
- Store in refrigerator and enjoy within 2-3 weeks
Mild kimchi with paprika mix
This combination provides good color and mild heat for those who prefer less spicy kimchi
Ingredients
- 1 large napa cabbage, cut into pieces
- ¼ cup salt
- 3 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 daikon radish, julienned
Instructions
- Salt cabbage pieces and let sit for 2 hours
- Rinse cabbage thoroughly and drain well
- Mix paprika and cayenne pepper with fish sauce and sugar
- Add garlic, ginger, green onions, and daikon
- Toss cabbage with the spice mixture
- Pack into jars and let ferment for 3-5 days
- Store in refrigerator
Spicy kimchi with cayenne
This combination provides extra heat for those who love spicy kimchi
Ingredients
- 1 large napa cabbage, cut into pieces
- ¼ cup salt
- 2 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 daikon radish, julienned
Instructions
- Salt cabbage pieces and let sit for 2 hours
- Rinse cabbage thoroughly and drain well
- Mix red pepper flakes and cayenne with fish sauce and sugar
- Add garlic, ginger, green onions, and daikon
- Toss cabbage with the spice mixture
- Pack into jars and let ferment for 3-5 days
- Store in refrigerator
- Napa cabbage
- Most common type, uses gochugaru for traditional red color and heat
- Radish
- Uses gochugaru for spicy, crunchy texture
- Cucumber
- Uses gochugaru for quick-pickled spicy cucumbers
- White
- No gochugaru, mild and refreshing
- Water
- Uses gochugaru for spicy, soupy kimchi
- Use clean, sterilized jars for fermentation
- Press down on kimchi to remove air bubbles and ensure proper fermentation
- Taste kimchi daily during fermentation to achieve desired sourness
- Store fermented kimchi in the refrigerator to slow down fermentation
- Kimchi will continue to ferment in the refrigerator, becoming more sour over time
- If kimchi is too spicy, add more vegetables or a little sugar
- If kimchi is too mild, add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
- If kimchi is too salty, rinse with water before serving
- If kimchi is too sour, use it in cooked dishes like kimchi fried rice
- If kimchi is too dry, add a little fish sauce or water
Questions
10 questionsWhat's the best substitute for gochugaru in kimchi?
Red pepper flakes are the best substitute for gochugaru in kimchi because they have the same flaky texture. They are hotter, so start with a third of the amount and add more to taste.
Can I use paprika instead of gochugaru in kimchi?
Yes, you can use paprika, but it has no heat. Mix it with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to add the necessary heat for kimchi.
Can I use cayenne pepper instead of gochugaru in kimchi?
Yes, but use it sparingly as cayenne is much hotter than gochugaru. Start with an eighth of the amount and adjust to taste.
What's the ratio for substituting red pepper flakes for gochugaru?
Start with a third of the amount when substituting red pepper flakes for gochugaru in kimchi, then taste and work up toward half. Red pepper flakes are hotter than gochugaru, and kimchi uses it by the quarter cup.
Can I use gochujang instead of gochugaru in kimchi?
No, gochujang is not suitable for kimchi. It's a paste that would make kimchi too sweet and pasty. Kimchi requires dry chili flakes for the right texture.
What's the best combination for gochugaru substitute in kimchi?
The best combination is 2 parts paprika to 1 part cayenne pepper, or equal parts red pepper flakes and paprika. This provides good color and heat balance.
Will my kimchi taste different with substitutes?
Yes, your kimchi will taste slightly different with substitutes, but it can still be delicious. Red pepper flakes provide the closest flavor to authentic gochugaru.
Can I use sriracha instead of gochugaru in kimchi?
No, sriracha is not suitable for kimchi. It's a sauce that would make kimchi too wet and sweet. Kimchi requires dry chili flakes for the right texture.
What's the difference between gochugaru and red pepper flakes?
Gochugaru is specifically Korean chili flakes with a mild, sweet flavor, while red pepper flakes are more generic and are usually hotter. Both work well in kimchi.
Can I make kimchi without any chili?
Yes, you can make white kimchi (baek kimchi) without any chili. It's a traditional Korean dish that's mild and refreshing, good for those who can't handle spice.