12 Best Gochugaru Substitutes You Can Try!
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Gochugaru, a Korean spice, can make food very spicy, salty, and tangy! Gochugaru adds amazing flavor and heat to any dish. Don’t worry if you are out of it; I am here to help you. Read the article below to find the best gochugaru substitutes.
Some of the best gochugaru substitutes you can try are crushed red peppers, cayenne peppers, chipotle peppers, fish peppers, and chili powder.
As I told you before, it is one of the popular spices used in Korean cuisine. It is a red, coarsely ground Korean chili pepper with a texture between powder and flakes.
You may know it by other names such as Korean chili flakes, Korean chili powder, and Korean hot pepper flakes. You can use it in Korean dishes like kimchi, tofu, bulgogi, and galbi.
This was just an overview; you will find all the details in the article below. Keep reading to know the nitty gritty.
What’s In The Post
12 Best Gochugaru Substitutes
Here is a list of Gochugaru substitutes that you might have in your kitchen instead. Go through the list.
1. Crushed Red Pepper
Crushed red peppers are one of the easiest substitutes available. It is easy to find, has a similar red color to gochugaru, and can be crushed to make regular chili powder. It is spicier, at 30,000 – 50,000 SHU, 3-8 times spicier than gochugaru.
It gives relief from digestive issues, pain, and inflammation. It has vitamins A, C, B-6, E, magnesium, iron, and potassium. You can use ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper instead of one teaspoon of gochugaru.
2. Paprika
Indian, Pakistani, and South Asian cuisines mostly use paprika in their recipes. It is a budget-friendly dried red pepper that brings out rich flavors.
Paprika is red with an earthy, fruity, sweet, and peppery taste similar to gochugaru. Paprika can be used in place of gochugaru if you want your recipes to have the same vivid red color.
Moreover, the spice level of paprika is similar to that of gochugaru. You can use paprika as a substitute for gochugaru in potato salad, pasta, and vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or beets.
You can use paprika in the same ratio as a substitute for gochugaru.
3. Gochujang
Gochujang is an excellent substitute for gochugaru due to its savory, sweet, spicy, smoky taste and dark red color. It has the same smoky and gochugaru flavors essential for Korean cooking, especially when making kimchi.
Also known as Korean red chili paste, it is a spicy Korean fermented paste with different levels of spices like mild, slightly hot, medium hot, very hot, and extremely hot.
You can use it in Korean dishes like naengmyeon, bibimbap, and spicy tteokbokki. You can use it to add flavor to stews and marinated meat.
You can use gochujang as a substitute in a 1:1 substitution ratio.
4. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper can be used in various cuisines like Korean, Caribbean, Indian, and Mexican dishes. It contains beneficial components such as flavonoids and vitamins like A, C, and E. Due to its intense flavor, you can replace one teaspoon of gochugaru with ¾ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Aleppo pepper is another great alternative to gochugaru, especially if you prefer milder heat. It has a SHU of 4,000-8,000, making it less spicy than gochugaru. Originating from Syria, Aleppo pepper has a fruity and tangy flavor similar to gochugaru and can be used in beans, salads, dips, and marinades for meats.
Guajillo powder, popular in Mexico, is a suitable substitute for gochugaru with medium heat and a less tangy taste. It works well in Mexican dishes like quesadillas and can be used in place of gochugaru in equal amounts.
Chipotle powder, made from smoked jalapeno peppers, offers a sweet, bitter, and smoky flavor similar to gochugaru. It can be used in a variety of dishes like roasted vegetables, tacos, and sauces, with a similar substitution ratio as gochugaru.
Chile de Arbol powder, known for its bold, smoky flavor and medium to high heat levels, is a suitable substitute for gochugaru in Korean, Mexican, Chinese, Caribbean, or American cuisine. Use half a teaspoon of Chile de Arbol powder instead of one tablespoon of gochugaru.
Chile Pasilla, with a milder spice level than gochugaru, has a slightly smoky and sweet taste ideal for salsa, tortilla soups, and adobo sauces. It can be used in place of gochugaru while considering its dark color that differs from the bright red of gochugaru.
Fish pepper, with a heat level ranging from 5,000–30,000 SHU, is a suitable substitute for gochugaru with a flavor reminiscent of serrano and cayenne peppers. It can be incorporated into dishes for moderate heat levels, such as hot sauces and salsas.
Sandia chilies, while not the most recommended substitute, can be used in place of gochugaru with a similar heat level. They work well in dishes like red or green posole, green chile stew, and carne adovada, but keep in mind their green color that differs from gochugaru.
Red chili powder is an alternative you can consider, similar to cayenne pepper, with a level of 30,000 – 50,000 SHU. It can be used in various cuisines like Indian, Mexican, and others as a substitute for gochugaru.
If you do not have the ingredients mentioned above, you can substitute regular red chili powder from your pantry. It is milder than gochugaru, making it suitable for those who prefer less spiciness.
Another type of chili powder known as “red pepper chili powder” is made by grinding dried red peppers. It has a deep red color and a robust spicy flavor with medium heat, similar to gochugaru.
This powder is commonly used in Indian cuisine to enhance the flavor and heat of dishes like curries, stews, and soups.
Since red chili powder has a comparable flavor profile, you can use it as a substitute for gochugaru in equal amounts.
Short Recap Of Gochugaru Substitutes
Here is a concise overview of Gochugaru substitutes, divided into three categories for easy reference:
Best Gochugaru Substitute In Terms Of Flavor and Texture-
- Paprika
- Gochujang
- Cayenne Pepper
Best Gochugaru Substitutes That Are Easily Available-
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Paprika
- Gochujang
Gochugaru Should Be Least Considered –
- Sandia Chili
How To Use Gochugaru Substitutes In A Recipe
12 Best Gochugaru Substitutes You Can Try!
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Review the substitutes and choose the one that best suits your recipe.
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Gather your ingredients and use the preferred substitute.
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Use the substitute in the required amount and prepare the dish as per the recipe.
Conclusion
At the end of this article, I hope you have discovered suitable gochugaru substitutes to enhance your culinary creations.
Finding a replacement for gochugaru may be challenging, but the alternatives mentioned here work well and add flavor to your dishes. Until next time, happy cooking!
Until Then! Happy Cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I use in place of gochugaru?
You can use crushed red peppers, cayenne peppers, chipotle peppers, fish peppers, and chili powder as a substitute for gochugaru.
Can I use regular chili flakes instead of gochugaru?
Yes, you can use regular chili flakes instead of gochugaru.
Can I use gochujang instead of gochugaru for kimchi?
Yes, you can use gochujang instead of gochugaru for kimchi.
What is a substitute for gochugaru in kimchi?
You can substitute Aleppo pepper flakes, paprika, and cayenne pepper in kimchi for gochugaru.
