5-Min Sauces Best Gochujang Substitute Using 3 Common Pantry Ingredients
Stuck without Korean red pepper paste? Make an instant gochujang substitute using sriracha, miso paste, and brown sugar in 2 minutes.
⏱️ Time: 2 mins 🔥 Calories: 90 kcal 🌶️ Spice Level: 3/5
Why This Hack Works
Gochujang is fundamentally built on three pillars: fermented depth (soybean), sweetness, and chili heat. Miso provides the deep, fermented umami funk found in authentic Korean jang, while Sriracha and brown sugar replicate the sharp garlic-chili punch and sticky sweetness.
Grocery Substitutes for US/UK Kitchens
- No Miso? You can substitute with a thick soy sauce paste or even standard tahini in a pinch, though miso yields the most authentic fermented flavor profile.
Best Gochujang Substitute Using 3 Common Pantry Ingredients
Servings: 2 servings | Total Time: 2 mins
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Sriracha or sweet chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp Japanese white or red Miso paste (or soybean paste)
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 tsp Sesame oil (optional)
Step-by-Step Hack
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the miso paste and brown sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the Sriracha gradually until you reach your desired thickness and heat level.
- Mix in the sesame oil to add that signature nutty Korean aroma, and use immediately in your marinades or stews.