Looking for a change from the same old hot sauce variety at your supermarket? Try this complex Korean gochujang sauce, which is spicy, sweet, and vinegary, the next time you want to top off your bibimbap or other savory dishes. Learn how to make this custom dipping sauce in under 5 minutes below.
What is gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean paste made from meju (fermented soybean and non-glutinous rice powder), gochugaru (Korean red pepper powder), malt, salt, and glutinous rice flour. Written records show that gochujang has been used medicinally since the early 15th century. Today, it is a Korean household staple used as an ingredient or condiment for many dishes.
A popular recipe for this pepper paste is gochujang sauce. Gochujang sauce is a spicy Korean condiment that is a blend of sweet and spicy and is used on dishes like bibimbap.
Ingredients in gochujang sauce
This gochujang sauce mixes spicy, tangy, sweet, and savory flavors to add umami to any dish. I use gochujang paste (mild for me!), rice vinegar, light soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, toasted sesame oil, and ginger powder. Here’s how to make adjustments if needed:
- gochujang paste: this is the main ingredient, and I wouldn’t substitute it. However, you can change the level of spiciness if you’d like. Either pick a spicier gochujang paste or add more to your sauce.
- rice vinegar: this cuts any richness of your main dishes but also balances out the sweetness of the honey. You can also substitute with other ingredients like lemon, lime, or other types of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar.
- light soy sauce: for saltiness and savory flavor.
- honey: adjust the level for more or less sweetness. You can also substitute with other forms of sweetener like maple syrup, rice syrup, or fruit jam.
- garlic powder and ginger powder: these are some of my favorite savory seasonings, but you can also change up this recipe with your favorite spices like onion powder, paprika, or gochugaru (if you want it spicier).
- toasted sesame oil: this is a staple Korean ingredient and gives this sauce a complex and deep nutty flavor. It easily overpowers other flavors, so try not to add too much.
Ideas for using homemade gochujang sauce
This gochujang sauce is a Korean hot sauce that can be used as a topping like any chili sauce. Pairing gochujang sauce with bibimbap is a no-brainer. Gochujang sauce adds a sweet, spicy, and vinegary flavor to the steaming hot bowl of rice and seasoned toppings.
Other ideas of how to use your gochujang sauce are:
- dipping sauce for KBBQ at home
- roasted potatoes
- grated egg avocado toast
- deviled eggs
- salmon rice bowls
- sushi bake
- rice and spicy pork bulgogi
How to store gochujang & how long it keeps
Since gochujang sauce is so quick to make at home, I try to make smaller batches because it doesn’t last that long in the fridge—store gochujang sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container. I try to use it within a week of making it for any dish.
Korean Gochujang Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- ¼ tsp ginger powder
Equipment Used
- measuring cups and spoons
- bowl
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients: 2 tbsp gochujang paste, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey1 tsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, and ¼ tsp ginger powder.
- Use a whisk to thoroughly combine all ingredients together.
- How the final texture will look.
- Serve with bibimbap or with your preferred dish. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to one week.
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