Introduction

Gochugaru (고춧가루) is a Korean chili pepper flake made from dried red chili peppers. It is one of the most essential ingredients in Korean cooking and is widely used to add both color and flavor to many traditional dishes.

Unlike many other chili powders, gochugaru has a slightly smoky and mildly sweet taste with moderate heat. Because of this balanced flavor, it is used in a wide variety of Korean foods including kimchi, soups, marinades, and stir-fried dishes.

Today gochugaru is considered one of the most important pantry ingredients in Korean cuisine.

Gochugaru at a Glance

• What it is: Korean chili pepper flakes
• Main ingredient: dried Korean red chili peppers, usually deseeded
• Taste: fruity, slightly sweet and smoky with mild to moderate heat
• Used in: kimchi, spicy stews, seasoned side dishes, marinades and dipping sauces

What is Gochugaru Made Of?

Gochugaru is made from Korean red chili peppers that are dried and then ground into flakes or powder. The peppers are usually deseeded before grinding, which helps reduce excessive bitterness and creates a cleaner flavor.

High quality gochugaru has a vibrant red color, a mild heat level, and a slightly smoky aroma.

Types of Gochugaru

Coarse Gochugaru

Coarse flakes are the most common type and are typically used for making kimchi, seasoned side dishes and stews.

Fine Gochugaru

Finely ground gochugaru is often used for soups, sauces and seasoning, and is the type traditionally used to make gochujang.

What Does Gochugaru Taste Like?

Gochugaru has a unique flavor profile that combines mild spiciness, natural sweetness, and a subtle smoky taste. Compared to many chili powders used in other cuisines, it is less sharp and more rounded in flavor.

Because the heat level is moderate, gochugaru can be used generously in Korean dishes without overpowering other ingredients. This balance is one of the reasons gochugaru is so widely used in Korean cooking.

Popular Korean Dishes That Use Gochugaru

Kimchi

Kimchi is the most famous Korean dish that uses gochugaru. The chili flakes give kimchi its bright red color and signature spicy flavor.

Spicy Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)

Oi muchim is a refreshing Korean side dish made with sliced cucumbers, garlic, vinegar, and gochugaru. The chili flakes add color and heat. The full recipe is below.

Korean Spicy Seafood Soup (Jjamppong)

Jjamppong is a spicy Korean seafood noodle soup. Gochugaru helps create the deep red broth and bold flavor.

Tteokbokki

Many tteokbokki sauce recipes add a spoonful of gochugaru alongside gochujang for extra color and a cleaner heat.

Easy Oi Muchim Recipe (Serves 2)

This quick spicy cucumber salad is one of the easiest ways to start cooking with gochugaru. It takes about 15 minutes, including salting time.

Ingredients

• 2 Korean or Persian cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp gochugaru
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 green onion, chopped, and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Slice. Cut the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons.
2. Salt. Toss with the salt and let sit for about 10 minutes. Drain the liquid and gently squeeze out any extra water.
3. Season. Add the gochugaru, vinegar, sugar, garlic and soy sauce, and mix well with your hands or a spoon.
4. Finish. Stir in the sesame oil, green onion and sesame seeds. Taste and adjust with a little more vinegar or sugar.

Tip: Oi muchim is crunchiest on the day it is made, so mix only as much as you plan to eat.

Where to Buy Gochugaru

Gochugaru can be purchased from Korean supermarkets and online retailers worldwide. Look for “Korean red pepper powder” or “gochugaru” on the label.

United States

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gochugaru

H-Mart
https://www.hmart.com/search?type=product&q=gochugaru

Walmart
https://www.walmart.com/search?q=gochugaru

Canada

Amazon Canada
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=gochugaru

H-Mart Canada
https://www.hmart.ca

Asian grocery stores in cities such as Toronto and Vancouver also carry Korean chili flakes.

Europe

Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=gochugaru

Sous Chef
https://www.souschef.co.uk/search?q=gochugaru

Oriental Mart
https://www.orientalmart.co.uk/search?type=product&q=gochugaru

Asia Market
https://www.asiamarket.ie/?s=gochugaru

How to Store Gochugaru

Gochugaru should be stored in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. Exposure to heat and light can cause the chili flakes to lose their color and flavor over time.

For best results, keep gochugaru in an airtight container. Many Korean households store gochugaru in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve its freshness and aroma for longer periods. Proper storage can help maintain the quality of gochugaru for several months.

Gochugaru FAQ

Is gochugaru the same as crushed red pepper flakes?

No. Crushed red pepper flakes usually contain lots of seeds and taste sharper and hotter. Gochugaru is usually made without seeds, so it is milder, sweeter and slightly smoky, with a brighter red color.

How spicy is gochugaru?

Most gochugaru has mild to moderate heat, but it varies by brand and pepper variety. Some packages are labeled mild or hot, so check the label if you are sensitive to spice.

What can I use instead of gochugaru?

In a pinch, mix sweet paprika with a small pinch of cayenne for color and heat. The flavor will not be the same, so for kimchi it is worth buying real gochugaru.

Does gochugaru go bad?

It rarely spoils when kept dry, but it slowly loses its color, aroma and flavor. If it has turned dull brown or smells flat, it is time to replace it.

Conclusion

Gochugaru is a Korean chili pepper flake made from dried red chili peppers. It has a balanced flavor with mild heat, natural sweetness, and a slightly smoky aroma.

From kimchi and stews to salads and marinades, gochugaru plays an essential role in Korean cuisine. Start with the easy oi muchim above, then use it to make your own kimchi or a spicy gochujang sauce.