🥫 Condiments

Non-Spicy Gochujang Substitute: Mild Korean Chili Paste Alternatives

Find the best non-spicy gochujang substitute for mild Korean dishes. Learn which alternatives work best when you want gochujang flavor without the heat.

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Quick Answer

For non-spicy gochujang substitute, use tomato paste + miso + sugar + a pinch of chili powder (1:1:0.5:0.1 ratio). This provides the umami and sweetness without the heat.

Best Substitutes

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

Perfect non-spicy alternative that mimics gochujang's sweetness and umami without the heat

Best for:

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

Tomato paste provides the base and slight tang. Miso adds umami depth. Sugar adds sweetness. Chili powder adds just a hint of heat.

Miso + Brown Sugar + Rice Vinegar + Sesame Oil

1 tbsp gochujang = 1/2 tbsp miso + 1/2 tbsp brown sugar + 1/2 tsp rice vinegar + 1/4 tsp sesame oil

Umami-rich substitute with Korean flavors but no heat

Best for:

mild Korean disheswhen you want umami depthKorean-inspired cookingwhen heat is not desired

Miso provides umami depth. Brown sugar adds caramelized sweetness. Rice vinegar adds tanginess. Sesame oil adds nutty flavor.

Soy Sauce + Brown Sugar + Rice Vinegar + Sesame Oil

1 tbsp gochujang = 1/2 tbsp soy sauce + 1/2 tbsp brown sugar + 1/2 tsp rice vinegar + 1/4 tsp sesame oil

Simple substitute using common pantry ingredients

Best for:

quick substitutionswhen you don't have misosimple Korean dishesbasic cooking

Soy sauce provides umami depth. Brown sugar adds sweetness. Rice vinegar adds tanginess. Sesame oil adds nutty flavor.

Miso + Honey + Rice Vinegar + Garlic Powder

1 tbsp gochujang = 1/2 tbsp miso + 1/2 tbsp honey + 1/2 tsp rice vinegar + 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Sweet and umami-rich substitute with garlic notes

Best for:

mild Korean disheswhen you want garlic flavorsweet Korean disheswhen heat is not desired

Miso provides umami depth. Honey adds natural sweetness. Rice vinegar adds tanginess. Garlic powder adds flavor depth.

Miso + Maple Syrup + Rice Vinegar + Sesame Oil

1 tbsp gochujang = 1/2 tbsp miso + 1/2 tbsp maple syrup + 1/2 tsp rice vinegar + 1/4 tsp sesame oil

Natural sweetener substitute with complex flavors

Best for:

natural cookingwhen you want maple flavormild Korean disheswhen heat is not desired

Miso provides umami depth. Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and complexity. Rice vinegar adds tanginess. Sesame oil adds nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For non-spicy gochujang, focus on umami and sweetness rather than heat
  • 💡Use miso paste as the base for umami depth - it's essential for gochujang-like flavor
  • 💡Add sweetness with sugar, honey, or maple syrup to replicate gochujang's natural sweetness
  • 💡Include rice vinegar for tanginess that balances the sweetness
  • 💡Sesame oil adds nutty flavor that's common in Korean cooking
  • 💡For children's meals, use the mildest version with just a pinch of chili powder
  • 💡Taste as you go and adjust the balance of sweetness and umami to your preference
  • 💡The substitute should be thick enough to stick to food but thin enough to mix easily
  • 💡For best results, let your substitute mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before using
  • 💡Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
  • 💡The flavor will develop and improve over the first few hours after mixing
  • 💡For authentic Korean flavor, include sesame oil in your substitute mixture
  • 💡The substitute should work well with the other ingredients in your dish
  • 💡For large batches, make extra substitute and store it in the refrigerator
  • 💡The substitute should be able to withstand the cooking process without breaking down

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Find the best non-spicy gochujang substitute for mild Korean dishes. Learn which alternatives work best when you want gochujang flavor without the heat.