Everything You Need To Know About Gochujang

The Korean flavour powerhouse that’s spicy, sweet & delicious!

By Team Foodstories

2-Minute Read

If you've ever savoured the rich, complex flavours of Korean cuisine, chances are you've encountered Gochujang (pronounced goh-choo-jang). Not familiar with it? It’s the vibrant, fermented red condiment that has taken the food world by storm. This versatile condiment has been popping up in the most unexpected places, from pasta and ramen to salads and even cookies! If you want to give this funky and fiery paste a try, here’s everything you need to know about this essential Korean ingredient.

Made from red chilli peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans and salt, the mixture is left to ferment for months, resulting in a hot condiment that offers an explosion of funky flavours. This mother paste of Korean cuisine is spicy (depending on the brand and type of gochujang), a little sweet, and a whole lot of umami.

Now, here’s where it gets exciting: This Korean gem is a playground for endless possibilities. We love it for its sweet heat and use it as an ingredient in marinades, dipping sauces, soups and stews rather than just using it as a finishing sauce. A teaspoon of Gochujang will liven up anything it touches.

To make things even better, Gochujang brings many health benefits to the table. It contains capsaicin, the fiery compound that gives your metabolism a nudge. Plus, it's loaded with antioxidants and is your gut’s best friend.

Grab a jar of Gochujang and make room for your new favourite chilli paste in your life, and your fridge.

Gaga Over Gochujang? 4 Ways To Use Your Favourite Condiment Beyond Kimchi

By Team Foodstories

Explained: How To Stock A Korean Pantry

By Team Foodstories

With social media full of Korean recipes and mukbangs, we’re betting that the inner chef in you is itching to whip up some Korean food at home. Lucky for you, the secret to Korean culinary prowess lies not just in the technique but in a pantry stocked with the right ingredients. To make your grocery shopping a breeze, here’s your ultimate guide to building a well-stocked Korean pantry.

Gochujang
First and foremost, kick things off with gochujang, the chilli paste made from chilli peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. This essential paste is robust, tangy, and slightly sweet and is often considered the spicy heartbeat of many Korean dishes.

Doenjang
This magical ingredient is the secret behind rich, savoury Korean stews and soups. Made from fermented soybeans, it is a flavour bomb that adds depth to your dishes. Think of it as the umami superstar of your pantry!

Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil
But what’s a main hero without his trusty partners? Enter soy sauce and sesame oil, the Batman and Robin of Korean cuisine, inseparable and unbeatable. Soy sauce weaves a tapestry of salty depth, while sesame oil adds whispers of a nutty aroma that can transport you straight to the bustling markets of Korea. These ingredients are versatile and packed with flavour that makes each bite heavenly.

Sesame Seeds
These tiny, mighty seeds bring a delightful crunch and a nutty flavour to your meals. Sprinkle them on anything—salads, stir-fries, or even desserts—to add a pop of texture and taste.

Kimchi
No Korean meal is complete without this fiery companion. The fermented side dish, made primarily from cabbage or radish, serves as both a spicy sidekick and a showstopper. Whether you enjoy it by itself, stir-fried, or cooked, kimchi is the versatile ingredient that adds zing to your dishes.

Gochugaru
Made from sun-dried red chilli peppers, gochugaru brings a unique blend of heat, sweetness, and smokiness to the table. The beauty of this spice lies in its versatility. In Korean cuisine, it's the heart of iconic dishes like kimchi, infusing that signature kick and depth. What's fascinating is how it balances heat with a touch of sweetness, making it palatable, even if you're not typically a fan of fiery foods.

Korean Glass Noodles
These transparent noodles, made from sweet potato starch, are not just a treat for your taste buds but also for the eyes! They soak up flavours like a sponge, making them a must-have for flavourful stir-fries and noodle soups. Bonus: they're delightfully chewy!

Brown Rice Vinegar & Mirin
To complete your well-stocked Korean pantry, make sure you have brown vinegar and mirin on hand for that essential tang and balance. These fermented sweet and sour flavour raisers are indispensable in marinades, salad dressings, glazes, condiments, dipping sauces and more.

So there you have it, a journey through a well-stocked Korean pantry. Begin with these essentials, and you'll find yourself discovering a whole new world of flavours and ingredients that are bound to be a family favourite.
"맛있게 드세요!" (Bon Appétit!)