🥫 Condiments

Gochujang Substitute: Complete Guide to Korean Chili Paste Alternatives

Find the best gochujang substitute for any recipe. Complete guide covering sriracha, harissa, sambal oelek, red curry paste, and homemade alternatives with exact ratios and cooking tips.

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Quick Answer

The best gochujang substitute is sriracha + miso paste (1:1 ratio). For non-spicy options, use tomato paste + miso + sugar. For specific dishes like bibimbap, use harissa + soy sauce. For tteokbokki, use red curry paste + miso + sugar.

Best Substitutes

Sriracha + Miso Paste

1 tbsp gochujang = 1/2 tbsp sriracha + 1/2 tbsp miso paste + 1/2 tsp sugar

The closest substitute to gochujang, combining sriracha's heat with miso's umami depth and natural sweetness

Best for:

general cookingmarinadessaucesstir-friesdipsbibimbaptteokbokki

Mix sriracha with white or red miso paste. Add sugar to taste for sweetness. This combination best replicates gochujang's fermented complexity.

Harissa + Soy Sauce + Sugar

1 tbsp gochujang = 1/2 tbsp harissa + 1/2 tbsp soy sauce + 1/2 tsp sugar

North African chili paste with Asian umami, perfect for complex Korean dishes

Best for:

bibimbapbulgogiKorean BBQmarinadessauces

Harissa provides complex heat while soy sauce adds umami. Adjust sugar for sweetness balance.

Sambal Oelek + Miso + Brown Sugar

1 tbsp gochujang = 1/2 tbsp sambal oelek + 1/2 tbsp miso + 1/2 tsp brown sugar

Indonesian chili paste with fermented depth, excellent for spicy Korean dishes

Best for:

spicy Korean dishestteokbokkikimchi jjigaemarinadessauces

Sambal oelek provides clean heat. Miso adds umami depth. Brown sugar adds caramelized sweetness.

Red Curry Paste + Miso + Rice Vinegar + Sugar

1 tbsp gochujang = 1/2 tbsp red curry paste + 1/2 tbsp miso + 1/2 tsp rice vinegar + 1/2 tsp sugar

Thai-inspired substitute with complex spices and fermented notes

Best for:

tteokbokkiKorean stewsfusion dishesmarinades

Red curry paste provides heat and spice complexity. Rice vinegar adds tanginess. Miso adds umami depth.

Chili Garlic Sauce + Miso + Honey

1 tbsp gochujang = 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce + 1/2 tbsp miso + 1/2 tsp honey

Asian chili sauce with garlic notes and fermented umami

Best for:

Asian-inspired dishesmarinadessaucesdipsstir-fries

Chili garlic sauce provides heat and garlic flavor. Miso adds umami. Honey adds natural sweetness.

Tomato Paste + Miso + Sugar + Chili Powder

1 tbsp gochujang = 1/2 tbsp tomato paste + 1/2 tbsp miso + 1/2 tsp sugar + 1/4 tsp chili powder

Non-spicy alternative that mimics gochujang's sweetness and umami

Best for:

non-spicy Korean disheschildren's mealsmild marinadessauceswhen heat isn't desired

Perfect for those who want gochujang's flavor without the heat. Adjust chili powder for desired spice level.

Doubanjiang + Sugar + Rice Vinegar

1 tbsp gochujang = 1/2 tbsp doubanjiang + 1/2 tsp sugar + 1/2 tsp rice vinegar

Chinese fermented bean paste with added sweetness and tang

Best for:

Korean-Chinese fusionmarinadessaucesstir-fries

Doubanjiang provides fermented umami. Sugar adds sweetness. Rice vinegar adds tanginess.

Gochugaru + Miso + Sugar + Rice Vinegar

1 tbsp gochujang = 1/2 tbsp gochugaru + 1/2 tbsp miso + 1/2 tsp sugar + 1/2 tsp rice vinegar

Korean red pepper powder with fermented elements

Best for:

authentic Korean disheswhen you have gochugaru availablekimchiKorean soups

Gochugaru is the base ingredient in gochujang. This recreates the closest flavor profile.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Gochujang is fermented, so it has complex umami flavors beyond just heat - always include miso or another fermented element
  • 💡The sweetness in gochujang comes from rice fermentation - add sugar or honey to replicate this
  • 💡Gochujang doesn't curdle when heated, making it perfect for cooking - most substitutes work the same way
  • 💡Start with less heat and add more gradually - gochujang can be very spicy
  • 💡For bibimbap, use harissa + soy sauce for the most authentic flavor profile
  • 💡For tteokbokki, red curry paste + miso works best for the spicy-sweet balance
  • 💡For non-spicy dishes, tomato paste + miso + sugar is your best bet
  • 💡Store homemade gochujang substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
  • 💡For authentic Korean flavor, try to find Korean red pepper paste (gochugaru-based) as a base
  • 💡Gochujang works well in marinades, sauces, soups, and as a condiment
  • 💡The fermentation process gives gochujang its unique depth of flavor that's hard to replicate
  • 💡It pairs well with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce in Korean cooking
  • 💡For vegetarian/vegan dishes, ensure your miso paste is plant-based
  • 💡When substituting, taste as you go and adjust the balance of heat, sweetness, and umami
  • 💡For best results, let your substitute mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before using to allow flavors to meld

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for gochujang?

The best gochujang substitute is sriracha + miso paste + sugar (1:1:0.5 ratio). This combination best replicates gochujang's spicy, umami, and sweet flavor profile.

Can I substitute sriracha for gochujang?

Sriracha alone won't work well because it lacks the umami depth and sweetness of gochujang. Mix it with miso paste and sugar for better results.

What can I substitute for gochujang in bibimbap?

For bibimbap, use harissa + soy sauce + sugar (1:1:0.5 ratio). This provides the complex heat and umami that works perfectly with bibimbap's flavor profile.

Is there a non-spicy substitute for gochujang?

Yes, use tomato paste + miso + sugar + a pinch of chili powder. This gives you the umami and sweetness without the heat.

Can I substitute gochujang for gochugaru?

Yes, but they serve different purposes. Gochujang is a paste with umami and sweetness, while gochugaru is just dried chili powder. Use 1 tbsp gochujang for every 1 tbsp gochugaru, but reduce other liquids in the recipe.

What's a good substitute for gochujang in tteokbokki?

For tteokbokki, use red curry paste + miso + sugar + rice vinegar. This combination provides the spicy-sweet balance that's essential for tteokbokki.

Can I use harissa as a gochujang substitute?

Harissa alone won't work well because it lacks the sweetness and umami of gochujang. Mix it with soy sauce and sugar for better results.

What can I substitute for gochujang paste?

The best gochujang paste substitute is sriracha + miso paste + sugar. This combination provides the paste-like texture and flavor profile you need.

Is gochujang gluten-free?

Traditional gochujang contains glutinous rice, which is gluten-free, but check labels as some commercial brands may contain wheat. Most substitutes using miso paste are gluten-free.

How long do homemade gochujang substitutes last?

Homemade substitutes typically last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container and check for any signs of spoilage before using.

Can I substitute sambal oelek for gochujang?

Sambal oelek alone won't work because it lacks the sweetness and umami of gochujang. Mix it with miso paste and brown sugar for better results.

What's the difference between gochujang and gochugaru?

Gochujang is a fermented paste made from gochugaru (chili powder), glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. Gochugaru is just the dried chili powder component.

Can I make gochujang from scratch?

Yes, but it requires fermentation time (weeks to months). For immediate use, the substitute combinations work well and provide similar flavor profiles.

What can I substitute for gochujang sauce?

For gochujang sauce, use sriracha + miso + sugar + a little water to thin it out. This creates a pourable sauce with similar flavor.

Is there a gochujang substitute recipe?

Yes, mix 1/2 tbsp sriracha + 1/2 tbsp miso paste + 1/2 tsp sugar. This creates a basic gochujang substitute that works in most recipes.

Summary

Complete guide to gochujang substitutes including sriracha, harissa, sambal oelek, and red curry paste alternatives. Learn exact ratios, cooking tips, and specific substitutes for bibimbap, tteokbokki, and non-spicy dishes.