Substitutes, Facts, and Nutritional Information for Gochugaru

If you’re planning on making some spicy Korean cuisine this weekend, gochugaru is a must-have item.

Traditional gochugaru is produced from sun-dried chiles that have been de-seeded and ground into a coarse powder. It is comparable to crushed red pepper flakes and is a must-have ingredient in Korean cooking for that hot taste.

Gochugaru is also known as Korean chili flakes, Korean hot pepper flakes, and Korean chili powder. It has a brilliant red hue and is ideal for adding a fiery punch to your dish.

Top 7 Gochugaru Substitutes

1. Chipotle Powder

Chipotle powder is made by burning Jalapeno chillies and extracting the moisture from them. It has a comparable smokey taste to gochugaru and is thus one of the finest replacements.

So, if you’re searching for a taste boost but can’t get gochugaru, chipotle powder should be your go-to.

However, it is vital to note that chipotle has a significantly stronger smokey taste than gochugaru. This isn’t always what your recipe calls for. You may counteract the intense smokiness of the chipotle powder with crushed red pepper. Chipotle may be used in place of gochugaru.

2. Cayenne Pepper

To determine if a spice may be used as a replacement, examine its texture. Cayenne pepper is a good option if you want more than heat from your gochugaru alternative.

The fact that this pepper is utilized in various Korean cuisines is an added benefit. As a result, it is not limited to being used as a gochugaru replacement. Cayenne pepper has a texture comparable to gochugaru. It is, however, spicier.

Cayenne pepper comes in two varieties: powder and flakes. The flakes are hotter, so select one based on the amount of spiciness desired in your dish. You may also reduce the spiciness by soaking the pepper in tepid water before using it in a dish. Use a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for every teaspoon of gochugaru. Then, taste the finished product and add extra if required.

Cayenne pepper is high in vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to having a wonderful texture and spicy taste. It also contains flavonoids, making it an excellent antioxidant for protecting your cells from free radicals.

3. Chile Pasilla

Spicy cuisine isn’t for everyone. If you want to create a Korean meal for this group of folks who don’t like spicy food, use Chile Pasilla.

Unlike other Korean spices, Chile Pasilla is a prominent component in Mexican dishes such as tortilla soups, adobo sauces, and salsas. It has a similar flavor and taste to gochugaru, making it an excellent replacement for those who like non-spicy Korean cuisine.

While using Chile Pasilla as a gochugaru alternative allows you to easily adjust the spiciness of your cuisine, it is vital to observe its dark hue. It has the potential to alter the look of your recipe. So, if you don’t want to sacrifice looks, avoid using it as a gochugaru alternative. Feel free to use equal parts Chile Pasilla and gochugaru.

4. Paprika

Gochugaru adds a rich crimson color to your Korean dishes. If you don’t have gochugaru, use paprika.

It is one of the spices that may be found in every grocery shop. However, three forms of paprika are available: sweet, fiery, and smoked. Which do you believe is the greatest gochugaru substitute? Let’s find out by breaking them down one by one.

The sweet paprika is the most common and basic paprika found in most supermarket stores. It has a subtle taste. The other is hot paprika, often known as Hungarian paprika, which is widely used in Hungarian dishes such as goulash.

Finally, as the name implies, smoked paprika is smoked and then dried to provide a sweet and smokey taste to your dish.

The spicy paprika is regarded the greatest of the three selections, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and taste. So, pick your paprika according on the taste you want in your Korean dish. You may use any variety of paprika in place of gochugaru.

5. Gochujang

For a variety of reasons, this is one of the greatest gochugaru replacements. First and foremost, gochujang is a Korean ingredient. Second, it is manufactured from the same gochu pepper as gochugaru, thus it has a similar taste and flavor.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to utilize gochujang as a replacement. The texture is distinct from that of gochugaru.

Gochujang is a thick paste that adds a sticky touch to your cuisine. Other components include sticky rice, soybeans, and salt. So, if you’re using gochujang, remember to modify the saltiness of your recipe. Sub 1 teaspoon gochugaru for 1 teaspoon gochujang. Taste the food and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Chile De Arbol

If you want a little additional heat in your Korean dishes, Chile De Arbol is the finest gochugaru replacement.

The red-hot hue will give the meal the fiery and smokey twist you’ve been craving. However, it is much hotter than gochugaru, so use it sparingly if you don’t want to burn your tongue.

Chile de Arbol comes in flakes, powder, and paste forms, so you may utilize it in a variety of ways. It is far less expensive than other spices, making it the greatest choice for a low-cost alternative for gochugaru. To replace it for gochugaru, use a teaspoon for every one teaspoon of gochugaru required. Consider adding extra if the flavor isn’t too hot for you.

7. Aleppo Pepper Powder

Want to try some Korean foods but can’t get gochugaru in the Middle East? Don’t be concerned. As an alternative, Aleppo pepper powder will suffice. Its crimson hue will make your food seem vivid and delicious.

However, if you are sensitive to the tang, it has a stronger aftertaste and might be significantly spicier. In general, you may use it in equal amounts with gochugaru: 1 tsp aleppo pepper for every 1 tsp gochugaru.

How Can You Use Gochugaru in Your Recipes?

One of the finest applications of gochugaru is in the preparation of Kimchi, a famous Korean cuisine. It might provide the precise spicy taste that the dish requires. It may also be used in a variety of Korean stews, such as sundubu jjigae.

Indeed, the distinct, smokey, and spicy taste of gochugaru makes it an excellent spice for practically all Korean meals. It pairs well with meaty foods such as Tempeh Steaks, Bulgogi, and Korean BBQ Jackfruit tacos.

In conclusion, gochugaru should be your go-to item if you want to explore with Korean cuisine while adding a twist to your dishes. Do you want to try some of the greatest Korean instant ramen? You may be interested in reading The Ultimate Guide to the Best Instant Ramen.

Are There Any Health Benefits of Gochugaru?

Loaded with Vitamins

Vitamins A and E are abundant in this Korean spice. Only two tablespoons of gochugaru can provide you with the required daily amount of vitamin E.

Great Source of Minerals

Gochugaru, like other dried chilis, is high in iron. This, in turn, aids in the production of red blood cells in your body. In addition, it incorporates fiber and copper. Copper has been shown to help prevent illnesses such as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Blood Sugar Regulation

The inclusion of nutritional components in gochugaru aids in the maintenance of blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of diabetes.

Prostate Cancer Prevention

Because of the presence of a molecule called capsaicin, daily use of this Korean spice may help prevent prostate cancer. Some experts believe that this chemical may prevent prostate cancer cells from spreading.

With so many health advantages and an enhanced spicy taste, gochugaru is a must-have spice in Korean cooking.

Final Words

All of the aforementioned replacements are excellent equivalents for gochugaru. However, identifying the greatest of all is almost difficult since it is dependent on individual taste, preference, and the sort of meal you want to prepare.

That being said, it’s not a terrible idea to play around with various spices until you discover the one that works for you.

Have you tried any of these spices as a replacement for gochugaru? What was the result? Please share your thoughts in the comments.