Gochujang is a Korean staple with a slightly thick, high viscosity in the form of a deep red chili paste. This relatively ancient Korean ethnic food–much like kimchi– is made through the process of fermentation. Along with being rich in spices, Gochujang’s flavors are a melting pot of salty, sweet, and tangy. So what is in Gochujang, and does it contain gluten?
Gochujang is typically not gluten-free, as many brands contain gluten in the form of barley and wheat. Gochujang generally consists of chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybean powder, barley malt powder, and salt. However, Koko Gochujang does offer a gluten-free Gochujang. The best gluten-free alternatives to Gochujang include Thai Kitchen Roasted Red Chili Paste and Huy Fong Foods Sriracha.
Some might be surprised to find that traditional Gochujang’s primary functions are to aid in digestion and provide nutritional value. Aside from seasoning otherwise bland foods with a punch of flavor, Gochujang is used to help strengthen weak stomachs and immune systems in Korean culture. Recent studies have also shown that Gochujang has the ability to prevent obesity and diabetes.
Let’s take a look at the origin of Gochujang, its nutritional content, and other gluten-free sauces that are sure to add a spicy kick to your cooking!
Contents
Gochujang Then and Now
Gochujang quite literally translates to red chili paste. Often used in traditional Korean dishes such as BBQ, stir-fried rice cakes, or Bibimbap, Gochujang has been a fundamental kitchen item in Korea for thousands of years. Record of Gochujang’s existence dates back to the mid-9th century, where it has been documented in Native Korean Medicine Prescription books. This is indicative that Gochujang might have initially been used for medicinal purposes.
It’s flavor profile has changed immensely over centuries, as it was originally made using black peppers and chopi before chili peppers–which originated in the Americas–were introduced to East Asia in the 16th century. Eastern and Western countries alike typically use salt and soy sauce in their spicy fermented pepper sauces, whereas Koreans use vinegar and fermented fish (Jeotkal) to modify the consistency and give the flavor more power. It is such a popular condiment that South Korea even has an annual festival dedicated to Gochujang, in Gochujang Village in Sunchang County, North Jeolla Province. Sunchang is renowned for its Gochujang production.
How Is Gochujang Made?
The process of making Gochujang begins with soybeans that are boiled and then formed into blocks and dried. Fermented soybeans (Meju) is then mixed with gochugaru (korean red pepper powder), rice flour, salt, and often sugar. After the ingredients are combined, the fermentation process begins. In traditional Gochujang, the sweetness comes from the starch of cooked glutinous rice, though store bought Gochujang is bound to have large quantities of added refined sugar.
Gochujang can be used to braise meat dishes such as chicken or pork ribs, to season rice dishes, and beyond. Some (but not all) Gochujang sauces are gluten-free. Let’s assess which brands are safe for those who are gluten-intolerant or celiac.
Is Gochujang Healthy?
Yes and no. Gochujang is deemed a diet-friendly superfood and contains antioxidants, but always double check the nutritional information. It is best to read labels before making a purchase, as each brand varies greatly in sodium content, sugars, artificial flavors, syrups, and other additives.
Nutritional Facts for Different Gochujang Brands
Bibigo Korean Gochujang
Bibigo’s sweet and spicy marinade boasts onion, garlic, and red pepper flavors, and has a vinegar base of rice wine and spirit vinegar. Bibigo claims that their products have no artificial ingredients. Unfortunately for celiacs, Bibigo contains wheat flour and is therefore not gluten-free.
Ingredients:
- Hot Pepper Paste (Brown Sugar, Water, Wheat Flour, Red Pepper Powder, Soy Sauce (Defatted Soybean, Wheat, Salt, Koji, Water), Salt, Onion Puree, Citric Acid)
- Brown Sugar
- Spirit Vinegar
- Water
- Onion Puree
- Sugar
- Chopped Garlic
- Soy Sauce
- Cooking Rice Wine
- Red Pepper Powder
- Salt
- Oleoresin Capsicum
- Xanthan Gum
Nutritional Facts (per 2 Tbsp/30g):
- Calories 60
- Total Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Saturated Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 400mg, 0% DV
- Total Carb. 14g, 5% DV
- Dietary Fiber: 0g 0%
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Good & Gather Korean Gochujang
With mild spice and a low viscosity, Good & Gather is perfect to add to a stir fry and as a marinade for braised chicken or pork ribs. Good & Gather Korean Gochujang contains sesame, soy, and wheat, however so it is not a good option if you are gluten-free.
Ingredients:
- Hot Pepper Paste (Corn Syrup, Water, Brown Rice, Red Pepper Powder, Salt, Garlic, Soybean, Fermented Soybean, Onion)
- Sugar
- Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt, Distilled Vinegar, Lactic Acid)
- Distilled Vinegar
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Salt
- Spice
- Toasted Sesame Oil
- Modified Corn Starch
- Garlic
Dried Garlic - Natural Flavor
- Citric Acid
- Dried Red Pepper
Nutritional Facts (per 2 Tbsp/30g):
- Calories 60
- Total Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Saturated Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 490mg, 21% DV
- Total Carb. 12g, 4% DV
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Haechandle Pepper Paste Hot Gochujang
Sweet and savory Haechandle Pepper Paste Hot Gochujang is on the spicier side, and will definitely make your mouth water. It is not gluten-free, has corn syrup, and is very high in sodium.
Ingredients:
- Wheat Flour
- Corn Syrup
- Water
- Hot Pepper Powder
- Salt
- Wheat
- Cooking Rice Wine
- Defatted Soybean Powder
- Koji
Nutritional Facts (per 2bsp/40g):
- Calories 80
- Total Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Saturated Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 1020mg, 43% DV
- Total Carb. 20g, 7% DV
- Dietary Fiber: 2g 8%
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Chung Jung One Sunchang Hot Pepper Paste Gold
Healthy and tasted, rich in flavor in the form of a thick red paste. Contains soy and wheat. If you are trying to watch your sodium intake, avoid this product as just two teaspoons contains almost 95% of your daily value.
Ingredients:
- Corn Syrup
- Red Pepper Mixed Seasoning (Red Pepper Powder, Sea Salt, Garlic, Onion)
- Brown Rice
- Water
- Fermented Soybean Paste (Soybean, Soybean Cultured with Aspergillus Oryzae, Roasted Soybean Powder, Salt, Seed Malt)
- Isomalto Oligosaccharides
- Salt
- Spirits
- Yeast Extract Powder (Yeast Extracts, Dextrin), Seed Malt (Wheat)
Nutritional Facts (per 2bsp/60g):
- Calories 120
- Total Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Saturated Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 22600mg, 94% DV
- Total Carb. 28g, 9% DV
- Dietary Fiber: 0.8g 3%
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Gluten-Free Chili Paste Sauces
Below is a list of our favorite gluten-free brands that have a similar taste to Gochujang.
Thai Kitchen Roasted Red Chili Paste
A deliciously thick and textured gluten-free red chili paste that pairs well as a soup base, in a curry and with coconut milk. Thai Kitchen’s Roasted Red Chili Paste is on the spicier end, but the flavor profile is uncanny. While a great option for those with celiac, avoid if you have any allergies to fish, seafood or shellfish, or peanuts.
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Soybean Oil
- Shallot
- Tamarind
- Red Chili Pepper
- Anchovy Extract (Fish)
- Shrimp (Crustaceans Shellfish)
- Garlic
- Salt
- Peanut
Nutritional Facts (per 1 tbsp/20g):
- Calories 65
- Total Fat: 3.5g, 5% DV
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g, 3% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg, 2% DV
- Sodium: 240mg, 10% DV
- Total Carb. 8g, 3% DV
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Huy Fong Foods Sriracha
An iconic Asian spicy sauce with rich red color, Sriracha is safe for celiacs to eat. Huy Fong Sriracha might not have the same flavorful kick that Gochujang does, but it is low in sodium, carbs, and sugar, and still provides an abundance of tang.
Ingredients:
- Chili
- Sugar
- Salt
- Garlic
- Acetic Acid
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Sodium Bisulfite (Preservative)
- Xanthan Gum
Nutritional Facts (per 1 tsp/5g):
- Calories 0
- Total Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Saturated Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 70mg, 3% DV
- Total Carb.<1g, 0% DV
- Sugars: <1g
- Protein: 0g
Koko Gochujang
A popular brand known for making Korean foods and ingredients for a kosher audience, Koko Gochujang is protein rich, certified gluten-free, vegan, GMO-free, and made from all natural ingredients (minus the plastic container it comes in). Its flavor is very mild and relatively sweet. It is on the pricier end but it is worthwhile as all of the ingredients are a product of Korea.
Ingredients:
- Red Pepper Powder
- Dried Fermented Soybean Powder
- Rice Syrup
- Refined Salt
- Water
Nutritional Facts (per 0.63 oz/18g):
- Calories 43
- Total Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Saturated Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 438.3mg, 22% DV
- Total Carb. 9.5g, 2.9% DV
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 13g
Which Gochujang Brands are Gluten-free?
Of the ones mentioned above, there are three gluten-free brands.
- Koko Gochujang
- Huy Fong Foods Sriracha
- Thai Kitchen Roasted Red Chili Paste
Pairings with Gochujang
Gochujang and soup broth are a perfect combo if you’re looking to make a curry, or a veggie or meat stew. College Inn Chicken Broth, which is also gluten-free, is one option for you. While Gochujang is typically a sauce you want to marinade with, it is also delectable as a dipping sauce. If you’re not willing to go the whole nine yards and braise a chicken from start to finish, you can go the rotisserie chicken route and accompany it with a Gochujang inspired dipping sauce on the side.
Related Questions
Does Gochujang Expire?
Yes, but not for two years! Be sure to keep gochujang refrigerated once you open, and look out for strange aromas to indicate when it has gone bad.
What is Gochujang Used For?
Gochujang can be used as a dipping sauce or marinade for a variety of dishes, both meat and vegetarian. It is likened to miso paste, but with a punch.
Does Gochujang Have Soy?
Depending on the brand, Gochujang might contain soy. Its primary ingredients are red chili powder, glutinous rice powder, powdered fermented soybeans, and salt. Always check the labels if you have a soy allergen.