Out of Gochujang, one case
Gochujang substitute recipe
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Basic gochujang substitute recipe
1 cup total = ½ cup sriracha + ½ cup miso paste + 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp rice vinegar
To make gochujang substitute: Mix ½ cup sriracha + ½ cup miso paste + 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- The tweak —
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Store in airtight container.
- Best for —
- general cooking
One casethe full gochujang card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of gochujang |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic gochujang substitute recipegeneral cooking | 1 cup total = ½ cup sriracha + ½ cup miso paste + 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp rice vinegar |
| 2 | Spicy gochujang substitute recipespicy Korean dishes | 1 cup total = 1/3 cup sriracha + 1/3 cup harissa + 1/3 cup miso + 2 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tbsp rice vinegar |
| 3 | Mild gochujang substitute recipechildren's meals | 1 cup total = ½ cup tomato paste + ½ cup miso + 3 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp chili powder |
| 4 | Authentic-style gochujang substitute recipeauthentic Korean dishes | 1 cup total = 1/3 cup gochugaru + 1/3 cup miso + 1/3 cup rice syrup + 2 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp salt |
Basic gochujang substitute recipe
spicy, umami, sweet, tangy
Simple homemade gochujang substitute using pantry ingredients
- Best for
- general cooking, marinades, sauces, dips, when you need a large batch
- Texture
- paste-like
- Prep
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Store in airtight container.
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
very spicy, complex, umami, sweet
Extra spicy version with complex heat from multiple chili sources
- Best for
- spicy Korean dishes, tteokbokki, kimchi jjigae, when you want extra heat
- Texture
- paste-like
- Prep
- Mix sriracha, harissa, and miso paste. Add brown sugar and rice vinegar. Stir until smooth and well combined.
This version is significantly spicier than basic gochujang. Use harissa for complex heat and sriracha for clean heat.
Mild gochujang substitute recipe
umami, sweet, mild heat
Non-spicy version good for children or those who prefer mild heat
- Best for
- children's meals, mild Korean dishes, when heat isn't desired, family-friendly cooking
- Texture
- paste-like
- Prep
- Combine tomato paste with miso, sugar, rice vinegar, and chili powder. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
This version provides gochujang's umami and sweetness without the heat. Adjust chili powder for desired spice level.
Authentic-style gochujang substitute recipe
authentic Korean, spicy, umami, naturally sweet
Most authentic version using Korean ingredients when available
- Best for
- authentic Korean dishes, when you have Korean ingredients, kimchi making, traditional Korean cooking
- Texture
- paste-like
- Prep
- Mix gochugaru with miso paste, rice syrup, rice vinegar, and salt. Stir until well combined and slightly paste-like.
This version uses gochugaru (Korean red pepper powder) for the most authentic flavor. Rice syrup adds natural sweetness.
The longer answer
About this case
Making your own gochujang substitute at home is easier than you think! This recipe creates a flavorful alternative using common pantry ingredients that captures the essential spicy, sweet, and umami characteristics of authentic Korean gochujang.
How it behaves in this recipe
This gochujang substitute recipe is designed to be practical and accessible, using ingredients you can find in most grocery stores. While it won't replicate the exact fermentation process of authentic gochujang, it captures the essential flavor profile that makes Korean dishes taste authentic.
Tips for substituting gochujang
15 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
Notes on gochujang
- For a quick single-use substitute, mix equal parts sriracha and miso paste with a pinch of sugar
- For a more complex flavor, add a small amount of fish sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- For a vegan version, ensure your miso paste is plant-based and avoid any animal-derived ingredients
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your miso is gluten-free
- For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium miso paste and reduce the amount of salt
Questions
10 questionsHow do I make gochujang substitute at home?
Mix ½ cup sriracha + ½ 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.