Are you looking for gochugaru substitutes? Well, if you don't have any in your pantry, can't find any in the supermarket, or want a quick replacement that has a similar taste or texture, then you're in the right place! Here, you'll find the 11 best substitutes for gochugaru!
Gochugaru is an ingredient that I always have in my pantry. I use it in all kinds of dishes from my gochujang feta pastries to my gochugaru sesame noodles. But on the occasion where I have run out, it's always helpful to know that there are a handful of gochugaru substitutes that can be used.
The substitution depends on what dish you're cooking and how important the uniqueness of the gochugaru chilli flakes flavour is to the recipe. For example, if you're making tteokbokki, a Korean street food using rice cakes, or fire buldak cabbage, a Korean spicy gochujang dish, you're probably okay subbing out the gochugaru because you've got the flavour from the gochujang (red pepper paste). So a little kick from a different style of chilli won't hurt. However, if you're making something that uses gochugaru as the key ingredient for the underlying flavour of the dish, then you might have to make some sacrifices on taste, because the dish simply won't taste as it was intended.
So, the real question is...
What is Gochugaru?
Gochugaru is a Korean red chili pepper powder made from sun-dried red chili peppers. It's a staple ingredient in Korean cuisine, renowned for its vibrant color, moderate heat, and slightly sweet and smoky flavor.
Gochugaru can vary in coarseness, ranging from fine to coarse grind. Finely ground gochugaru is often used for seasoning and making pastes, while coarser varieties are preferred for kimchi and other fermented dishes, as they provide texture and color. It adds depth and spice to a wide range of Korean dishes, from soups and stews to marinades and sauces.
What does Gochugaru taste like?
What I love about gochugaru, is that there's nothing quite like it. Which in terms of finding gochugaru substitutes, makes it quite tricky. But don't worry, we will cover an array of gochugaru substitutes that will hopefully complete any dish you want to make.
Gochugaru has a unique flavor profile characterized by moderate heat, subtle sweetness, and a hint of smokiness. It's less intense than some other chili powders, with a balance of flavors that includes a slightly fruity undertone.
The heat level can vary depending on the specific variety and how it's processed, but generally, it's considered moderately spicy. The flavor of gochugaru adds depth and complexity to Korean dishes, enhancing their overall taste without overpowering other ingredients.
How is Gochugaru used?
Gochugaru is used in various ways in Korean cuisine:
- Seasoning: It's commonly used to season soups, stews, and stir-fries, adding both color and heat to dishes.
- Kimchi: Gochugaru is a key ingredient in making kimchi, the traditional Korean fermented vegetable dish. It provides the signature red color and spicy flavor to the fermented cabbage or other vegetables.
- Marinades: Gochugaru is often included in marinades for meats such as bulgogi (marinated beef) and dak-galbi (spicy grilled chicken), adding heat and flavor to the dish.
- Sauces and Dips: It's used in making various Korean sauces and dips, such as gochujang (Korean chili paste), ssamjang (a spicy dipping sauce), and gochujang-based marinades.
- Side Dishes: Gochugaru can be sprinkled over side dishes like seasoned vegetables, tofu, or eggs to add spice and flavor.
- Rice Dishes: It can also be mixed with rice, creating dishes like bibimbap (mixed rice bowl) or kimbap (rice rolls), adding a spicy kick to the dish.
Overall, gochugaru is a versatile ingredient that adds depth, color, and heat to a wide range of Korean dishes.
Where Can I Buy it?
Gochugaru is available in Asian supermarkets. It's also becoming more widely available in Western supermarkets as it increases in popularity. Online is also a great place to find it...Amazon and various different online shops sell it.
Gochugaru Substitutes
The type of gochugaru substitute you decide to go for depends on the purpose of the gochugaru in the first place.
For example, if the dish you're making focuses on the sweetness and smokiness of the gochugaru flakes, then a chipotle flakes, kashmiri powder, or sweet paprika might be best.
If you're making a dish that focuses on the spicy elements, then a more pungent replacement like cayenne pepper or sriracha might do.
1. Chipotle Flakes
Chipotle flakes can be a good substitute for gochugaru due to their similar smoky flavor profile and moderate heat level. Gochugaru is known for its subtle smokiness, which chipotle flakes can replicate well, adding depth to dishes. Additionally, chipotle flakes offer a comparable level of spiciness, making them suitable for maintaining the intended heat in Korean recipes. Their texture may vary slightly from gochugaru (being a bit coarser), but their flavor profile aligns closely, making them a practical alternative in dishes where gochugaru is traditionally used.
2. Sweet Paprika
Sweet paprika is an optional substitute because of its mild heat and similar color. Gochugaru is known for its moderate spiciness and vibrant red hue, which sweet paprika can mimic effectively. While sweet paprika slightly lacks the smoky flavor characteristic of gochugaru, its mild sweetness can complement dishes where gochugaru is used to enhance the overall flavor profile without adding too much heat. Additionally, sweet paprika is widely available and commonly found in many kitchens, making it a convenient alternative when gochugaru is not accessible.
3. Gochujang
Gochujang is probably the closest substitute to gochugaru in terms of origin and flavour profile. While gochugaru is a Korean red pepper powder known for its moderate heat and smoky sweetness, gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from fermented soybeans, rice, and red chili peppers. Despite the difference in form, both ingredients contribute to the characteristic spiciness and depth of flavor in Korean cuisine.
Gochujang offers a complex flavor profile that includes sweetness, umami, and a lingering heat, making it versatile in various dishes. When used as a substitute for gochugaru, gochujang can provide not only the desired heat but also a depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish. Additionally, gochujang's thick consistency can contribute to the texture and richness of sauces, marinades, and stews, similar to the role of gochugaru in many recipes. Take my gochujang gnocchi lasagne or my Korean-style butter bean recipes as examples!
4. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a strong fighter for gochugaru due to its comparable heat level and versatility. Cayenne pepper offers a similar level of spiciness, making it suitable for maintaining the intended heat in Korean recipes.
Moreover, cayenne pepper is widely available and commonly found in many kitchens, making it a convenient alternative when gochugaru is not accessible. While it may lack the specific flavor profile of gochugaru, its heat can still contribute to the overall taste of the dish. Additionally, cayenne pepper can be adjusted in quantity to achieve the desired level of spiciness, allowing for flexibility in recipe adaptation.
5. Red chilli flakes
There are dozens of kinds of red chilli flakes, but I'm talking about the regular crushed chilli flakes you can find at your local supermarket. They tend to be much spicier than gochugaru flakes, so go easy on the dosage. But they will add a lovely spice to the dish.
6. Harissa Powder
While gochugaru is known for its moderate spiciness and subtle sweetness, harissa powder typically contains a blend of spicy chili peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, and other spices, resulting in a flavorful and moderately spicy seasoning.
Both gochugaru and harissa powder can add depth and heat to dishes, making harissa powder a suitable alternative when gochugaru is not available. Additionally, harissa powder's versatility allows it to complement a wide range of cuisines, including Korean dishes, by adding a spicy kick and depth of flavor.
While harissa powder may have a slightly different flavor profile compared to gochugaru, its moderate heat and complexity can enhance the overall taste of the dish. It can be used in similar quantities to gochugaru and adjusted to suit personal preferences for spiciness.
7. Sweet Chilli Sauce
While gochugaru offers moderate heat and a subtle sweet, smoky flavor, sweet chili sauce delivers sweetness with a gentle spicy kick, typically derived from chili peppers, garlic, and sugar.
In dishes where the primary goal is to balance sweetness with a hint of heat, such as certain stir-fries or marinades, sweet chili sauce can serve as a suitable replacement for gochugaru. Its thick consistency also makes it ideal for creating sauces or glazes, similar to the role of gochugaru in many recipes.
However, it's essential to note that sweet chili sauce may alter the flavor profile of the dish compared to gochugaru, as it typically contains additional ingredients such as vinegar and various spices. Therefore, while sweet chili sauce can provide sweetness and mild heat, it may not replicate the exact flavor of gochugaru. Nonetheless, it can still offer a delicious alternative in dishes where a balance of sweet and spicy flavors is desired.
8. Piri Piri Powder
Piri piri powder, derived from African bird's eye chili peppers, provides a comparable level of heat, making it suitable for maintaining the intended spiciness in Korean recipes.
Moreover, piri piri powder's flavor profile typically includes a hint of fruitiness and tanginess, which can add depth to dishes, similar to the role of gochugaru. Its versatility allows it to complement various cuisines, including Korean cuisine, by adding heat and flavor complexity.
While piri piri powder may have a slightly different flavor profile compared to gochugaru, its moderate heat and tangy undertones can enhance the overall taste of the dish. It can be used in similar quantities to gochugaru and adjusted to suit personal preferences for spiciness.
9. Szechuan Powder
Szechuan powder (a Chinese spice) provides a comparable level of heat and imparts a distinct numbing sensation along with citrusy notes - the first time I tried this was in China and it was the most incredible sensation of numbness!
If you're looking for a quirky powder to substitute out for gochugaru, then this definitely provides an interesting angle. It has a numbing spice so you will want to use it in moderation, but it's a good substitute for the heat profile of gochugaru.
10. Aleppo Chilli Powder
Aleppo pepper offers a comparable level of heat, making it suitable for maintaining the intended spiciness in Korean recipes.
Its flavor profile includes fruity and earthy notes, which can add depth to dishes, similar to the role of gochugaru. It can be used in similar quantities to gochugaru and adjusted to suit personal preferences for spiciness.
11. Ancho Chilli Powder
Gochugaru's moderate spiciness and subtle sweetness are matched by ancho chili powder's richness, enhancing dishes without overpowering. Ancho chili powder's versatility complements various cuisines, including Korean, by adding smoky depth. It's not as readily available as some other chilli powders, so you might have to go hunting for it, but it's definitely a good gochugaru substitute option.
FAQs
Due to gochugaru's unique smokiness and spicy flavour, I would say that gochujang is your best substitute. Despite it being a paste, it has gochugaru flakes in it, meaning that the flavour is still there and more authentic.
Yes, Korean red pepper flakes and gochugaru are the same. You can buy fine red pepper flakes or coarse gochugaru flakes. The flavour is the same but the texture is different.
No. It's mild in heat and has a lovely smoky, slightly sweet flavour.
There is a variety of Korean dishes that you can make from kimchi, bibimbap, tteokbokki, and japchae.
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