Hot pepper paste

Gochujang 고추장

This fermented staple ingredient adds spiciness, color, and sweetness to many Korean dishes. It’s sometimes labeled as “red pepper paste” in English on the package. Most people buy it in a Korean grocery store, but in Korea it was traditionally homemade (my recipe is here). Homemade gochujang has a rich complex flavor that’s much deeper than store-bought.

Keep in the fridge after opening and use within 3 months. The top of the paste may become darker or dry out, but it’s still edible.

Posted on Monday, February 25th, 2008 at 11:39 pm. Last updated on April 19, 2021.
Tagged: 고추장, fermented Korean foods, gochujang, hot pepper paste, korean food, korean ingredients

Recipes that use hot pepper paste (gochujang):

146 Comments:

Laurennn London joined 2/17 & has 1 comment
Posted February 22nd, 2017 at 2:12 pm | Log in to reply or create a profile.
Hi Maangchi, I’ve just bought some red pepper paste but it tastes awful, it says brown rice red pepper paste on the package, did I buy the right gochujang or does the others taste the same?
aearthr Singapore joined 1/10 & has 4 comments
Posted July 5th, 2016 at 9:33 am | Log in to reply or create a profile.
Hi Maangchi! It’s been a while since I posted here. Recently saw there is a vinegared hot pepper paste in bottle form. Is there any difference with the usual one? Can this vinegared version used for bibimbap too? Thanks in advance!

See full size image
- Maangchi New York City joined 8/08 & has 12,049 comments
  Posted July 7th, 2016 at 9:19 am | Log in to reply or create a profile.
  The vinegared hot pepper paste is different than regular gochujang. It’s best for dipping for fresh seafood or for making hoedeopbap: https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/hoedeopbap
zana joined 8/15 & has 1 comment
Posted August 7th, 2015 at 5:38 am | Log in to reply or create a profile.
i just want to know that chili paste mean gochujang sauce in bibimbap right ? it is same ? tqvm
- Maangchi New York City joined 8/08 & has 12,049 comments
  Posted August 7th, 2015 at 2:42 pm | Log in to reply or create a profile.
  yes, this hot pepper paste is used in bibimbap. Good luck!
Belizecook Belize joined 9/14 & has 1 comment
Posted September 10th, 2014 at 4:25 pm | Log in to reply or create a profile.
Hi presently in Japan, and want to know what i should ask for if i want to buy hot pepper paste…help please//
- Maangchi New York City joined 8/08 & has 12,049 comments
  Posted September 11th, 2014 at 3:58 pm | Log in to reply or create a profile.
  Find a Korean grocery store and ask for “Gochujang”, please.