What is Gochujang? 13 Gochujang Recipes You Need to Try

Move over sriracha! Gochujang sauce is the hot new hot sauce trend.

Here are 13 awesome gochujang recipes and all you ever wanted to know about this amazing Korean condiment, including the basic question: "What is Gochujang?"

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a spicy Korean condiment made from Korean chilli peppers, fermented soybeans, and salt. It is usually sold as a paste, but can be sold as gochujang sauce as well.

Gochujang is very versatile as a condiment as an ingredient and can add a nice kick of flavor to most recipes, as you'll see in my list of amazing gochujang recipes below.

What does gochujang taste like?

Gochujang paste is spicy and warm. Gochujang sauce is sweet and spicy and has a complex flavor. It resembles a spicy barbecue sauce, but not as sweet and not tomato-ey.

Gochujang vs sriracha

Sriracha was the popular hot sauce for over a decade. People carried it in their purses and put it on EVERYTHING.

Well, I truly believe that gochujang sauce is the new sriracha. It has a milder spice but a lot more complex flavors, a nice sweetness and a nice smokiness. I think it tastes so much better than sriracha. Give it a try! Drizzle it on everything!

What is gochujang made of?

Gochujang is made from Korean chilli peppers / chili peppers / chile peppers (depending on where you are from), fermented soybeans, salt, and sugar. It does often contain other ingredients, including wheat, so gochujang is not gluten free.

Is gochujang gluten free?

Gochujang typically contains wheat, so it is not gluten free.

I know I stated that above, but I wanted to point it out for those with a gluten intolerance.

Gochujang sauce vs paste

Gochujang paste is what is commonly sold in most stores (more on where to buy gochujang below!), most commonly in a plastic tub. It is usually used as an ingredient in many Korean dishes.

Gochujang sauce is a sauce made with gochujang paste. The sauce is thinner. Think of it as tomato paste versus ketchup or barbecue sauce. The paste is typically used *in* recipes. The sauce can be used *in* recipes and as a condiment *on* many dishes.

Where to buy gochujang

You can find gochujang in pretty much any Asian supermarket. If you've got an HMart near you, you're in luck because they will DEFINITELY carry gochujang sauce and gochujang paste.

It can be intimidating to go into those stores if you don't speak the language because soo many of the packages are not in English and you really don't have a great idea of what you're getting.

But that's part of the fun! Look for any packages that resemble these or hope that a nice person is passing by the aisle who can help you:

You can also find gochujang in many international aisles of large supermarkets in the US.

Or, save time and just get it online at Amazon. Here is gochujang paste that I like, and here is the gochujang sauce that I use.

The gochujang sauce doesn't have Prime shipping now, so here is another one that does have Prime shipping and has great reviews.

How to make gochujang at home

If you want to try making gochujang at home, you can try this authentic gochujang recipe. It does take 6 months to ferment in full sun (SIX MONTHS!!), so it might be easier to just order gochujang online. It will get to you in 2 days!

How to use gochujang?

In addition to make traditional Korean recipes, Gochujang can be used as an addition in pretty much every savory recipe.

Gochujang mayo? Yep!

Korean wings with gochujang? A MUST.

A spicy sauce for your roasted veggies? Oh yea.

Vegan Korean tacos? GIVE ME.

Keep reading to see my favorite gochujang recipes below that are quite easy to make even if you don't cook Korean food typically.

Is gochujang healthy?

Gochujang typically does contain a high amount of sodium and sugar. But a little bit goes a long way so you only end up using a little bit. Gochujang also contains fermented soybeans (fermentation = probiotics) and lots of spicy chilli peppers, which have many healthy benefits.

So gochujang can definitely be part of a healthy diet, especially since it gives vegetables so much flavor, you might end up more veggies thanks to it. But look at the ingredient list and nutritional information on gochujang sauce before buying it to make sure it is right for your dietary needs and restrictions.

Is gochujang keto?

Gochujang typically has a little sugar - either added or naturally occurring. If you are on strict keto, you might want to avoid it. If you are only counting carbs and can fit it into your macros, then go ahead and use a little gochujang. A little bit goes a long way to add flavor, so you might be able to fit it into your keto lifestyle!

13 Gochujang recipes you're going to want to make... RIGHT NOW

These 12 recipes using gochujang will really show you how versatile gochujang is and how EASY it is to use in most kinds of recipes.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Gochujang

This Gochujang Roasted Butternut Squash makes an amazing easy healthy side dish when you're looking for more flavor in your life and are tired of same-old roasted vegetables. Sweet butternut squash pairs perfectly with spicy gochujang.

Spicy Baked Korean Chicken Wings

Baked not fried, these chicken wings are coated with a yummy gochujang-based sauce. Be prepared for lots of bold and delicious flavors!

I AM PREPARED. ARE YOU?

Vegetarian Kimchi Bibimbap

Fun fact: bibimbap literally means "mixed rice" in Korean. So make sure to mix all the goodness in this bowl together!

Kimchi bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish made with kimchi, mushrooms, roasted veggies, and a delicious HOMEMADE gochujang sauce. This dish is kind of like a Buddha bowl and only requires 30 minutes to make!

You can totally make that happen, right?

Salty, Spicy, Sweet: Maple-Miso Glazed Squash

This sweet-and-spicy roast squash is made with just 5 ingredients, but it packs a load of flavour thanks to a special secret ingredient - a spoonful of Korean gochujang paste!

YES PLEASE.

Korean Seafood Pancakes: A Dutch Baby Recipe

Talk about fusion!

This Dutch Baby recipe is a twist on Korean Seafood Pancakes. Make this savory brunch recipe at home or over the campfire!

Korean Tuna Power Bowl

Super simple, healthy and delicious Korean Tuna Power Bowl. Brown rice, a rainbow of veggies, and Korean tuna salad seasoned with gochajung sauce, drizzled with a yummy sesame dressing. The perfect healthy lunch ready in 5 minutes if you've got leftover brown rice.

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