What to do with Gochugaru?

Culinary Uses of Gochugaru

Gochugaru, a staple in Korean kitchens, is a game-changer when it comes to enhancing the flavours of your everyday dishes. Here's how you can make the most of it:

Spice up your stews

Gochugaru adds a delightful kick to Korean stews like Kimchi Jjigae or Sundubu Jjigae. Just a sprinkle can transform a simple broth into a spicy and aromatic masterpiece.

Create flavorful marinades

Whether you're grilling meat or preparing tofu, gochugaru is your secret weapon. Mix it with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar for a marinade that infuses your proteins with a perfect balance of heat and savoury goodness.

Enhance your side dishes

From pickled vegetables to stir-fried greens, gochugaru brings vibrancy to Korean side dishes. Toss it into your banchan, or side dish, creations for an instant flavour lift that complements the main course.

Everyday Uses of Gochugaru

Gochugaru isn't just for traditional Korean dishes; it can elevate your everyday cooking in surprising ways:

Upgrade scrambled eggs

Add a pinch of gochugaru to your morning scrambled eggs for a spicy and flavorful twist. It's a simple yet effective way to kick-start your day with a burst of Korean-inspired goodness.

Sprinkle on pizza or popcorn

Give your pizza or popcorn an adventurous spin by sprinkling gochugaru. The subtle heat and rich flavour make it an unconventional but delicious topping that adds a unique flair to familiar snacks.

Mix into dipping sauces

Whether it's a soy-based dipping sauce for dumplings or a spicy mayo for sushi, incorporating gochugaru can take your dipping sauces to new heights. It brings depth and complexity, turning a regular dip into a taste sensation.

Quick DIY Gochugaru Recipes

Take your culinary adventures to the next level with easy DIY recipes featuring gochugaru:

Homemade kimchi

Dive into the world of fermentation by making your own kimchi. Gochugaru is a key ingredient in this iconic Korean dish, providing the perfect balance of heat and flavour. Experiment with different vegetables and spice levels to create your personalised kimchi masterpiece. You can also make a cucumber kimchi with Gochugaru just like the photo above!

Gochugaru prawn cocktail

This Gochugaru Prawn Cocktail revamps the classic with Korean chili powder's smoky sweetness. The prawns pair perfectly with a gochugaru-infused dressing, mayonnaise, and lemon, creating a dish that balances heat, sweetness, and acidity.

Gochugaru-infused oils

Elevate your cooking oils by infusing them with gochugaru. This simple yet impactful process adds a subtle heat and smokiness to your dishes. Drizzle it over pizzas, salads, or grilled vegetables for an instant flavour boost.

Spicy Gochugaru Mayo

Upgrade your condiment game with a spicy twist. Mix gochugaru into mayonnaise for a zesty and fiery sauce that pairs perfectly with sandwiches, burgers, or as a dip for fries. It's a quick and versatile recipe to add a kick to your favourite meals.