Substitutes for Gochujang in various cuisines include harissa paste with sweetener, tomato paste with red pepper flakes and soy sauce, red chili paste with soy sauce and sugar, miso paste with red pepper flakes, sriracha with miso paste, and hot sauce with fermented bean paste.
Harissa, a North African chili paste, mixed with a sweetener, can mimic gochujang's heat in marinades. It offers a different but complementary spice profile. Use a 1:1 ratio of harissa to gochujang, adding sweetener to balance the flavors.
Tomato paste can serve as a base when mixed with red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and a sweetener, creating a flavorful marinade. This substitute lacks the fermentation of gochujang but provides a good texture and flavor base. Start with equal parts of each ingredient and adjust to taste.
Mix red chili paste with soy sauce and a sweetener like honey or sugar to approximate gochujang's flavor. This blend can be adjusted to taste, providing a balance of heat and sweetness. Expect a less fermented taste but a similar heat level. Use in a 1:1 ratio.
Combine miso paste with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, adding a sweetener to achieve the desired sweetness. This mixture offers a similar umami flavor with adjustable spiciness. Expect a different texture and freshness from the miso. Use in a 1:1 ratio as a starting point.
Sriracha sauce combined with miso paste can be used to add heat and umami to soups and stews. The garlic in sriracha also adds extra flavor. Adjust sweetness with sugar or honey. Use sparingly, as sriracha is quite potent. Start with half the amount of gochujang called for and adjust to taste.
Hot sauce can be mixed with fermented bean paste (such as Chinese doubanjiang) and a sweetener to create a substitute with both spice and depth. The sauce may be thinner, so consider the desired consistency. Use a 1:1 ratio of hot sauce to bean paste, with sweetener to taste.
Gluten-free tamari mixed with red chili flakes and a gluten-free sweetener can replace gochujang in gluten-free cooking. It replicates the savory aspect with controlled spiciness. Start with a 1:1:0.5 ratio of tamari, chili flakes, and sweetener, respectively.
Use a gluten-free chili paste and combine it with a gluten-free sweetener to achieve a similar taste to gochujang. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness according to your preference. Check ratios to match the intensity of gochujang in your recipe.
Vegan red chili paste can be a base for gochujang substitute when combined with a vegan-friendly sweetener. Ensure the chili paste doesn't contain fish sauce. Adjust the ratio to achieve the desired heat and sweetness, using a 1:1 ratio as a starting point.
Miso paste with chili garlic sauce offers a vegan substitute with a similar flavor profile. Balance with a sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar. The texture may differ slightly, but the taste will be close. Begin with equal parts miso and chili garlic sauce, adjusting to taste.
| Recipe Category | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Marinades | Harissa Paste with Sweetener, Tomato Paste with Red Pepper Flakes and Soy Sauce |
| Korean Dishes | Red Chili Paste with Soy Sauce and Sugar, Miso Paste with Red Pepper Flakes |
| Soups and Stews | Sriracha with Miso Paste, Hot Sauce with Fermented Bean Paste |
| Gluten-Free Recipes | Gluten-Free Tamari with Red Chili Flakes and Sweetener, Gluten-Free Chili Paste with Sweetener |
| Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes | Vegan Red Chili Paste with Sweetener, Miso Paste with Chili Garlic Sauce |
While gochujang has a unique place in Korean cuisine, these substitutes can help you capture a similar flavor profile in your dishes. Each substitute offers a creative way to achieve the desired balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, ensuring that your cooking remains authentic and delicious.
