Gluten-Free Gochujang Substitute (Korean Chili Paste)

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An easy, homemade gochujang recipe (Korean chili paste) that is healthy, delicious, and the perfect complement to so many dishes! If you’re gluten-free, this authentic gochujang substitute is for you!

a closeup of a spoon holding red pepper sauce over a jar of sauce.

What is Gochujang Sauce?

If you’re unfamiliar with gochujang paste, think of it as a spicy red pepper paste or Korean chili paste– like hot sauce but with a unique flavor that is used all the time in Korean Cuisine! Basically, it’s such a popular Korean condiment that it might as well be ketchup.

It’s often used in Korean cooking as a spicy kick in stews, spicy sauces, stir fry, and to season Bibimbap, one of my favourite Korean dishes. It can even be used as a dipping sauce! The unique flavor gives your taste buds an amazing flavor explosion. There’s really nothing like it! 

What Makes This Recipe Great

While I was in Asia visiting my family, I decided to turn the homemade, gluten-free gochujang that my dad makes for me into a recipe. This recipe for gluten-free gochujang is not only healthy and gluten-free, as the name would suggest, but also vegan, oil-free, and refined sugar-free. It’s easy to make and only requires mixing ingredients in a bowl. 

If you’re looking for a gochujang substitute or a healthier alternative to the store-bought version, you will love this recipe! Now you too can enjoy the beautiful, spicy, delicious Korean sauce that is still as delicious as classic gochujang but in a healthier, gluten-free way!

P.S. I had my dad hand model for me and had to use a bit of a different style of photography and editing since I didn’t have my usual equipment on hand. Let me know what you all think! (Personally, I think my dad nailed the hand modeling).

Use this homemade gochujang substitute in this Vegan Bibimbap, Korean Kale & White Bean Soup, or these Spicy Cold Korean Noodles.

a glass jar filled with korean chili paste (gochujang)

How to Make This Gluten-Free Gochujang Substitute 

Often, gochujang is made with a little bit of wheat to help the sauce/paste firm up, and one of the number one ingredients is usually sugar. When I say sugar, I mean corn syrup, white refined sugar- the not-so-great stuff

In addition, there is usually a good amount of low-quality, highly processed oil in the mix to help with the texture and allow the sauce to stay smooth while living on a shelf for months up to a year.

I love to enjoy classic Korean food with easy, healthy swaps, and this recipe is exactly that. 

Ingredient Notes

The ingredients needed are quite specific and contribute to the Korean flavour, so I wouldn’t recommend substituting anything. 

You can find all of these ingredients at a Korean market, and most Asian markets if there’s one near you. If not, most of them can be sourced online as well, and I’ll link each ingredient online in the recipe card below as well!

  • Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Powder): This is Korean chili powder that gives the gochugaru its spice and color. 
  • doenjang paste: This paste is made from fermented soybeans. Look for a gluten-free version. 
  • maple syrup: This is an all-natural, unrefined sweetener that I love using for the sweet flavor. You can also use date syrup. You could substitute a pinch of sugar or brown sugar if needed. 
  • rice wine: Sake also works. 
  • garlic powder 
  • rice flour: This is used for thickening the red pepper paste. 
a whisk mixing recipe ingredients in a metal bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Whisk all ingredients together in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add additional water or rice flour as needed to achieve the desired texture. It should be in between a sauce and paste.

Expert Tips

  • If you’d like to, you can play around with the ingredient ratios to achieve the heat level and flavor you like, but remember that this paste is usually used as a base to create sauces by adding even more ingredients!
  • The reason good gochujang substitutes are hard to find is that nothing really compares to its sort of “funky flavor.” You can always attempt to use sriracha sauce, Thai chili paste, harissa paste, or cayenne pepper, but none really quite compare to the depth of flavor in gochujang!
a hand mixing Korean chili paste in a glass jar

Serving Tips

This spicy paste has so many uses. Use it to spice things up, give amazing flavor, to dip, or to garnish. You really can’t go wrong! 

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

a hand lifting a white spoon out of a glass jar of red pepper paste

Recipe FAQs

What is a good substitute for gochujang?

This recipe is an excellent gluten-free substitute for traditional gochujang. If you don’t have time to make gochujang or can’t find it at the store, the best gochujang substitutes would be sriracha sauce. It has a similar flavor profile. Most sriracha brands are gluten-free and vegan too, making it an easy gochujang substitute in a pinch. 

What does gochujang taste like?

This Korean red pepper paste has a unique, savory flavor. It is spicy and full of umami flavor with a subtly sweet taste. 

Is gochujang the same as red chili paste?

Yes! In English, it is known as red pepper paste or Korean chili paste. 

Where can I buy gochujang?

You can find the paste in grocery stores, Asian markets, and some smaller chains like Trader Joe’s. Most of them are not gluten-free, which is why I personally like to make my own!

Love & spice,

Gluten-Free Gochujang Substitute (Korean Chili Paste)

4.50 from 2 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
An easy, homemade gochujang recipe (Korean chili paste) that is healthy, delicious, and the perfect complement to so many dishes! If you’re gluten-free, this authentic gochujang substitute is for you!

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup filtered water
  • 1/2 cup gochugaru (Korean pepper powder)
  • 1/3 cup doenjang paste (fermented Korean soybean paste, look for a gluten free version)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or date syrup
  • 2 tbsp rice wine (sake also works)
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp rice flour for thickening

Instructions 

  • Whisk all ingredients together in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add additional water or rice flour as needed to achieve desired texture. It should be in between a sauce and  paste.

Notes

Expert Tips

  • If you’d like to, you can play around with the ingredient ratios to achieve the heat level and flavor you like, but remember that this paste is usually used as a base to create sauces by adding even more ingredients!
  • The reason good gochujang substitutes are hard to find is that nothing really compares to its sort of “funky flavor.” You can always attempt to use sriracha sauce, Thai chili paste, harissa paste, or cayenne pepper, but none really quite compare to the depth of flavor in gochujang! In a pinch, your best option is sriracha. 

Serving Tips

This spicy paste has so many uses. Use it to spice things up, give amazing flavor, to dip, or to garnish. You really can’t go wrong! 

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Remy

Hi there, I’m Remy! Welcome to Veggiekins Blog, home to nourishing vegan + gluten-free recipes and tips to live your best balanced and holistic life. I’m a human on a mission to empower you to be well and be kind to your mind, body and soul with the healing power of plants.

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7 Comments

  1. Is the rice wine / sake absolutely needed? I have neither at home. Maybe another alcohol? Can’t wait to try this. Thank you!
  2. Ok-this is a great option but you should note to readers that the only way this is GF is if all the ingredients are GF. And doenjang paste is not typically GF so you will have to hunt for GF option. Its available, and expensive (by comparison).

    4 stars

  3. I'm glad I just discovered your blog! I'm allergic to gluten and am also trying to eat as clean and healthy a diet as I can. Thanks!