Gochujang: The Versatile Korean Chili Paste!

If you’re a Korean food-lover, then you’re definitely familiar with gochujang. Gochujang, or red chili paste, is a fermented condiment with a sweet, savory, and spicy flavor palate. Gochujang is made with gochu-garu (chili powder), a type of rice grown in Southeast and East Asia called glutinous rice, meju (fermented soybean) powder, yeotgireum (barley malt powder), and salt. Gochujang is an incredibly versatile condiment, due to the fact that it contains so many flavors and can be used in a number of different dishes. For a full breakdown of the popular Korean condiment, keep reading on!

While it’s unclear when gochujang sauce was invented and by whom, it’s understood that its first use most likely occurred during the 16th or early 17th century. This is because gochu, or chili peppers, were transported from the Americas to East Asia in the early 16th century by the Portuguese. By the 18th century, gochujang had become one of the most in-demand spicy pastes (jang) on the market, and with an increase of popularity also came an increase in uses and dishes.

There are a number of different ways to incorporate gochujang into your meals. The Korean chili paste can be used to marinate beef, chicken, and ribs, or as a sauce for all your favorite baked and fried chicken dishes. Gochujang can also be used as a glaze, a dressing, or even a base for your spicy stews.

Though we don’t have any gochujang sauce available on Bokksu Market, we do have a few gochugaru (chili powder spice) products. If you’re interested in dipping your toes in the world of spicy Korean chili, gochugaru is a great place to start.

If you want a spice that packs a punch without having to worry about chili flakes getting stuck in your teeth for a residual chili burn, the Wang Gochugaru Red Pepper Powder is definitely what you need. Made with dried and crushed red chili pepper seeds, this smoky and spicy powder can be used on tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), seafood stews, or marinades.

Or, if you think you can handle a little extra heat, the Wang Gochugaru Red Pepper Flakes is the perfect addition to your spice pantry. This take on the Korean spice is made with one ingredient – dried chili flakes – but still contains a healthy balance of spicy and sweetness. The Wang Gochugaru Red Pepper Flakes can be used in everything from kimchi and rice to noodles and pizza!

Lastly, get acquainted with the spicy sweetness of gochujang even more with Tom’s Farm Korean Style Almonds: Tteokbokki Spicy Rice Cake. Based on the rice cake-covered gochujang street food known as tteokbokki, this tasty snack transfers all the beloved flavors of tteokbokki into spicy Korean-style almonds. Enjoy them on their own or use them in an almond fish dish, which is a traditional Japanese snack involving sliced almonds and sardines.

Stock up on all the best gochujang and gochugaru products without ever leaving your couch! Bokksu Market carries all your favorite asian grocery brands, snacks, and beverages, so now you can order groceries online all from the same place.