🥫 Condiments

Gochujang Substitute Recipe: Homemade Korean Chili Paste Alternative

Learn how to make gochujang substitute at home with simple ingredients. Easy recipe for Korean chili paste alternative with exact measurements and cooking tips.

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Quick Answer

To make gochujang substitute: Mix 1/2 cup sriracha + 1/2 cup miso paste + 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Best Substitutes

Basic Gochujang Substitute Recipe

1 cup total = 1/2 cup sriracha + 1/2 cup miso paste + 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp rice vinegar

Simple homemade gochujang substitute using pantry ingredients

Best for:

general cookingmarinadessaucesdipswhen you need a large batch

This recipe makes about 1 cup of gochujang substitute. Adjust sweetness and heat to taste. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Spicy Gochujang Substitute Recipe

1 cup total = 1/3 cup sriracha + 1/3 cup harissa + 1/3 cup miso + 2 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tbsp rice vinegar

Extra spicy version with complex heat from multiple chili sources

Best for:

spicy Korean dishestteokbokkikimchi jjigaewhen you want extra heat

This version is significantly spicier than basic gochujang. Use harissa for complex heat and sriracha for clean heat.

Mild Gochujang Substitute Recipe

1 cup total = 1/2 cup tomato paste + 1/2 cup miso + 3 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp chili powder

Non-spicy version perfect for children or those who prefer mild heat

Best for:

children's mealsmild Korean disheswhen heat isn't desiredfamily-friendly cooking

This version provides gochujang's umami and sweetness without the heat. Adjust chili powder for desired spice level.

Authentic-Style Gochujang Substitute Recipe

1 cup total = 1/3 cup gochugaru + 1/3 cup miso + 1/3 cup rice syrup + 2 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp salt

Most authentic version using Korean ingredients when available

Best for:

authentic Korean disheswhen you have Korean ingredientskimchi makingtraditional Korean cooking

This version uses gochugaru (Korean red pepper powder) for the most authentic flavor. Rice syrup adds natural sweetness.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Make your gochujang substitute in advance - it tastes better after sitting for a few hours
  • 💡Taste as you go and adjust the balance of heat, sweetness, and umami to your preference
  • 💡For best results, use room temperature ingredients when mixing
  • 💡Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
  • 💡The substitute will thicken slightly in the refrigerator - this is normal
  • 💡If the mixture is too thick, add a little water or rice vinegar to thin it
  • 💡If it's too thin, add more miso paste to thicken it
  • 💡For a smoother texture, blend the ingredients in a food processor
  • 💡The flavor will develop and improve over the first 24 hours
  • 💡Always use clean utensils when scooping from the container to prevent contamination
  • 💡For large batches, double or triple the recipe and store in multiple containers
  • 💡The substitute can be frozen for up to 3 months - thaw in the refrigerator before using
  • 💡For different heat levels, adjust the ratio of chili paste to other ingredients
  • 💡For more umami depth, use red miso instead of white miso
  • 💡For a more complex flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or ginger powder

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make gochujang substitute at home?

Mix 1/2 cup sriracha + 1/2 cup miso paste + 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

What ingredients do I need for gochujang substitute?

You need sriracha (or another hot sauce), miso paste, sugar, and rice vinegar. Optional ingredients include harissa, gochugaru, and rice syrup.

How long does homemade gochujang substitute last?

Homemade gochujang substitute lasts 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze gochujang substitute?

Yes, you can freeze gochujang substitute for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

What's the best miso paste for gochujang substitute?

Red miso paste provides the most umami depth, but white miso works well too. Choose based on your preference for saltiness and umami intensity.

Can I make gochujang substitute without miso?

Miso is essential for the umami flavor that makes gochujang unique. If you don't have miso, use soy sauce + a little sugar, but the flavor won't be as authentic.

How do I make gochujang substitute less spicy?

Use tomato paste instead of sriracha, or reduce the amount of chili paste and increase the miso and sugar.

Can I make gochujang substitute spicier?

Yes, add more sriracha or harissa, or include additional chili powder or cayenne pepper.

What's the difference between this recipe and store-bought gochujang?

This recipe provides similar flavor but lacks the fermentation depth of authentic gochujang. It's a good substitute for most cooking applications.

Can I use this gochujang substitute in all Korean recipes?

Yes, this substitute works in most Korean recipes that call for gochujang, including bibimbap, tteokbokki, and marinades.

Summary

Learn how to make gochujang substitute at home with simple ingredients. Easy recipe for Korean chili paste alternative with exact measurements and cooking tips.