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.
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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
If you have cayenne pepper in your pantry, you can use it as an alternative to gochugaru. It is a fantastic substitute because of its similar color and texture. Similar to how gochugaru is made, cayenne pepper flakes are extracted from dried cayenne pepper.
Three to eight times hotter than gochugaru, cayenne pepper has a SHU of 30,000 – 50,000. You can make cayenne peppers less spicy by soaking them in lukewarm water before cooking if you can’t handle this much heat.
You can use it in Korean, Caribbean, Indian, and Mexican cuisines. It is beneficial for health as it contains flavonoids, which protect your cells from free radicals. It has vitamins like A, C, and E.
Due to its robust flavor, use ¾ teaspoon of cayenne peppers as a substitute for one teaspoon of gochugaru.
5. Aleppo Pepper
If you can’t handle the spice of gochugaru, then Aleppo pepper comes to your rescue. It is between 4,000-8,000 SHU, compared to gochugaru, which is 10,000 SHU.
It originates from Syria and has a red color and a fruity and tangy flavor similar to gochugaru. You can use it with beans, salads, dips, and as a marinade for meat, especially grilled meats like kabobs.
From a health point of view, it aids weight loss, improves eyesight, controls blood pressure, and boosts immunity.
Due to its medium heat, you can use Aleppo pepper as a substitute for gochugaru in equal amounts.
6. Guajillo Powder
For those staying in Mexico but craving Korean cuisine, Guajillo powder comes to the rescue! In terms of both the farming sector and food, it is the second most popular in Mexico.
It works as a fantastic substitute for gochugaru due to its spice and is easier to use without any seeds mixed in. However, it has medium heat and a less tangy flavor than gochugaru.
You can use it as an alternative to gochugaru in Mexican dishes, especially quesadillas.
It has a milder spice than gochugaru, so use three teaspoons of guajillo powder for one teaspoon of gochugaru.
7. Chipotle Powder
You can use Chipotle peppers as an alternative to gochugaru because they have an underlying sweetness with bitter and smoky notes.
It is made with smoked jalapeno peppers with a distinct smoky flavor that resembles gochugaru. Chipotle powder is made in a similar manner as gochugaru.
You can make roasted vegetables, tacos, enchiladas, Mexican-inspired soups, sauces, salsa, and marinades as a substitute for gochugaru.
You can incorporate chipotle peppers in the same amount as the gochugaru substitute.
8. Chile de Arbol Powder
Chile de Arbol powder does not burn a hole in your pocket compared to other spices. It is one of the substitutes that taste somewhat like gochugaru; it is thin, long, and bright red with a bold, smoky flavor and a medium to high heat level.
If you are a fan of spice, this alternative is for you, as it has a level of 15,000–30,000. It has more spices than gochugaru and quickly heats your dishes with its flavor.
You can use it in Korean, Mexican, Chinese, Caribbean, or American cuisine. It can spice up your BBQ or hot sauce recipes.
When using Chile de Arbol powder as a substitute for gochugaru, use ½ teaspoon instead of one tablespoon of gochugaru.
9. Chile Pasilla
Chile Pasilla works best for people who can’t handle spice or if you’re cooking for kids or guests. It has a spice level of 1,000-4,000 SHU, milder than gochugaru.
Chile Pasilla has a slightly smoky taste and is sweeter than gochugaru, which has a distinct earthy flavor. You can use it in salsa, tortilla soups, and adobo sauces. In terms of flavor, it is a good match for gochugaru.
However, it has a dark color, which is different from the bright red of gochugaru. It’s best to avoid using it in dishes where color is important because otherwise, it will tarnish the appearance of your food.
You can use ½ teaspoon as a substitute for one teaspoon of gochugaru.
10. Fish Pepper
Fish pepper is a must-have in your kitchen if you enjoy fish. Fish peppers taste like a cross between a serrano pepper and a cayenne pepper and can work as a substitute for gochugaru.
It has medium heat with a range of 5,000–30,000 SHU. You can incorporate them into meals to add moderate levels of heat. You can use them in hot sauces and salsas.
You can use ½ teaspoon as a substitute for one teaspoon of gochugaru.
11. Sandia Chilies
Sandia chilies are an option when you don’t have anything from above. You can use Sandia chilies as a substitute for gochugaru, which process the same heat.
It is green in color, which is not similar to the striking red color of gochugaru. You can use it to make red or green posole, green chile stew, and carne adovada.
It is the least recommended substitute of all. If you are using it, use ¾ teaspoon of Scandia chili powder with one teaspoon of gochugaru.
12. Red Chili Powder
If you don’t have anything from the above ingredients, then use regular red chili powder that is present in your pantry. It is less spicy than gochugaru, but it is excellent for those who dislike spice.
A type of chili powder called “red pepper chili powder” is produced by grinding dried red peppers. Its color is dark red and tastes strongly spicy with moderate heat, like gochugaru.
Indian food frequently uses this powder. Their flavor and heat can benefit curries, stews, and soups.
Due to its similar flavor, you can add red chili powder in equal amounts as a substitute for gochugaru.
Short Recap Of Gochugaru Substitutes
Here is a quick peek at Gochugaru substitutes. I categorized these into three categories so it would be easy for you guys to find your desired alternative.
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!
Ingredients
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Paprika
- Gochujang
- Cayenne Pepper
- Aleppo Pepper
- Guajillo Powder
- Chipotle Powder
- Chile de Arbol Powder
- Chile Pasilla
- Fish Pepper
- Sandia Chilies
- Red Chilli Powder
Instructions
- Go through the substitutes and see which one seems fit for the recipe.
- Collect your ingredients and use your preferred substitute.
- Use the substitute in the required amount and make the dish according to the recipe.
Conclusion
Now that we have come to the end of the article. I hope you find gochugaru substitutes and use them in your dishes.
Finding a substitute for gochugaru is difficult, but the options in this section function well and improve the flavor of your food. Till then, we will meet at the next one.
Till 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.
