Gochujang, also known as kochujang, is a Korean fermented chili paste that is a mix of hot, sweet and savoury all rolled into one. Although it is a popular condiment for octopus in Korea, gochujang makes a flavour-packed addition to other kinds of meat, salad, stews, vegetables, and soup. Koreans love to add this miso-like ingredient to bibimbap which is also a flavour-filled bowl of rice, meat, egg seasoning, and sauces. Gochujang ingredients vary depending on the manufacturer, but the main components are chilli peppers, fermented soybeans, rice powder, and salt. Korean chili peppers are normally used to make gochujang, offering a flavour profile that is spicy as well as sweet. They give gochujang its distinctive taste. If you have run out or cannot find gochujang in the grocery store there are other alternatives you can consider. Below are some of the best options you can consider as substitutes for gochujang substitutes.
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Pepper Flakes
The first on our list of best substitutes for gochujang are pepper flakes. Pepper flakes are an excellent substitute for gochujang because they replicate the sweet and spicy flavour of gochujang. You can find a little glass jar filled with crushed red pepper flakes in every pizza parlour across the country. Pepper flakes are everywhere. Red pepper flakes are made from peppers and they are widely used in a lot of dishes. You can also add some paste made from red pepper flakes into your meal. Simply add a splash of soy sauce to a small bowl then mix in a teaspoon of red pepper and a pinch of sugar to your dish. Remember to be light-handed with the sugar because over sweetening this paste will result in an unpleasant taste that might ruin your dish. You can use red pepper flakes in almost any dish that may require gochujang.
Miso
Also on our list of best substitutes for gochujang is miso. It is a traditional Japanese seasoning that is produced by fermenting soy and it is also an excellent substitute for gochujang. Miso and gochujang have flavour profiles that are similar because they both use fermented soy as a primary ingredient. It is used to add a salty savouriness to polenta, to balance out the sugariness of caramel and it can be added to salad. You can also combine miso and Korean chili powder to mimic the flavour profile of gochujang. Miso has the sort of deeply layered flavour that can work well as a substitute for gochujang. You can also add it in any dish that may require gochujang. To make something similar to miso you can combine equal parts of cayenne powder and sweet paprika.
Thai Chili Paste
Another great alternative for gochujang is Thai chili paste. Thai chili paste is also called Nam Prik Pao and it is slightly spicy, sweet, sour and salty plus it can be used in any Asian inspired dish. It is usually made with dried chili, garlic, sugar, shrimp paste and fish sauce. The chilli paste is not a perfect match because of its pungent garlic flavour but it does have a similar texture being a paste. The paste is a lot more aromatic and adds some flavour and spice to your dish. It may not be exactly the same with Thai chilli paste but it can be one of your best gochujang substitutes. It can work best when used with meats and stews.
Sriracha
Sriracha is another store-bought option that can work well as a condiment replacement for gochujang, even though its texture is much thinner. If your recipe is a time-tested Korean mix of ingredients that rely on each other to balance out the flavours, then this option will not be your best substitute. Also, sriracha is sweet with garlic notes that may overwhelm many dishes but if used properly it can make a decent substitute. It is important to note that sriracha will work in some dishes but in some recipes, it will just taste wrong.
Harissa paste
Also on our list of best substitutes for gochujang is harissa paste. Harissa paste offers a flavour punch with some versions more than others. The paste consists of simple ingredients including red chilies, garlic, vinegar, and spices. With harissa, you can get a mild smoky flavour that is combined with a lot of heat. Although it may taste different, it is very much revered in Moroccan cooking for a good reason with many believing that it is the building block for delicious food. You can use the paste as a substitute for gochujang in dishes such as hummus, lentils, chili and paste sauce to name a few. You can also add harissa paste in almost any dish that requires gochujang.
Sambal Oelek
Sambal oelek is a similar alternative to gochujang that you can consider using as a substitute. It has a similar appearance to gochujang, which is good for your meals. Sambal oelek is very much loved in South East Asia, plus it will work well in soups, with meat or even bibimbap as an alternative to gochujang. Just like with the other options above, sambal oelek can be used in place of gochujang in almost any dish that requires it.
Dates And Spices
Also on our list of best substitutes for gochujang are dates and spices. You can use dates and spices in place of gochujang if you are cooking for a guest or family member that can’t eat gluten, soy, or is a vegan. Dates and spices can be used in a lot of dishes as a substitute for gochujang. Simply blend six pitted Medjool dates with four tablespoons of water, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, two tablespoons of tomato paste and three teaspoons of cayenne pepper. Your dates and spices will add a delicious aroma and flavour to your dish.
Tomato Paste
Lastly, you can also consider tomato paste as an alternative to gochujang. Tomato paste is not an ideal option due to its flavour but it can still make a decent substitute. It has a similar texture though, and by adding some chili and salt, you can get halfway towards a quasi alternative for your meals.