If you are going to try authentic Korean recipes with gochujang, then you have to start with spicy kimchi.
This recipe is used as both an ingredient and a side dish across Korea. It is made using fermented Napa cabbage and spicy gochujang to create a delicious, crunchy dish that is full of versatility.
Some people prefer milder kimchi, so they leave the gochujang out, but we really recommend trying the spicy version first.
Also known as Spicy Pork Stir-Fry, Jeyuk Bookeum is juicy and hot, coming together in an hour to create a comforting and hearty dish you will love.
Alongside pork belly and gochujang, some of the other key ingredients include rice wine, minced ginger, perilla leaves, and an assortment of vegetables. These ingredients blend together to create a dish that is bursting with flavor.
If you want to experiment a bit with this dish, try using some of your favorite vegetables instead of the recommended ones.
If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, then you will love this Ojingeo Bokkeum.
The main ingredient in this dish is squid, which is cut into bite-sized pieces that are then stir-fried in a slightly sweet gochujang-based sauce along with some vegetables. It is both sweet and spicy and a little briney, thanks to the squid.
This dish is absolutely bursting with flavor and if you have a stronger palette, you will be more than satisfied when you try it for the first time.
Meat Gochujang Recipes
Meat and gochujang are the perfect pairing in Korean cuisine.
The sweet and spicy gochujang enhances the tender meat to create dishes that are absolutely bursting with flavor.
Below, we have included some fantastic meat gochujang recipes.
Beef bowls are popular all over Korea and they are so easy to make.
The tender beef in this recipe is tossed in a sweet and spicy Korean chile sauce alongside caramelized shallots and bell peppers and served on a bed of steamed rice.
What makes these beef bowls even better is that they come together in 20 minutes, making them perfect for mid-week meals when you don’t have time but still want something tasty.
Serve with a pickled, spicy cucumber salad to make the most out of this dish.
If you want something meaty but not as intense as beef, try this Dakgalbi instead.
Also known as Stir-fried Spicy Chicken, Dakgalbi is made using boneless chicken pieces, rice cakes (tteokbokki), green cabbage, sweet potato, and other vegetables.
Dakgalbi is so well-rounded and full of delicious textures. You will find yourself wanting it again and again.
While it does seem like there is a lot going on in this dish, don’t be fooled- it’s actually super easy to make.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who likes to experiment in the kitchen.
It’s quite similar to the previous recipe but with lots more room to mix and match ingredients.
This recipe uses a variation of gochujang called Sesame gochujang sauce, which is made out of five ingredients that come in the form of gochujang paste, low-sodium soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, lime juice.
What really makes this spicy dish pop is the vegetables though, and the recipe leaves a lot of room for you to use your imagination. You can make this dish multiple times in lots of different ways, so you will never be bored.
This recipe takes the classic Gochujang Noodles recipe and adds a creamy twist you won’t be able to get enough of.
The ‘secret’ ingredient in this recipe is cream cheese, and it compliments the gochujang so well. This is one of those recipes you will try once and want to eat again and again.
Comforting, creamy, spicy, and sweet, this recipe ticks all the right boxes.
Soup Gochujang Recipes
Soups and stews are a staple in Korean culture, and they are even more delicious when they feature gochujang.
Korean soups are comforting and full of umami flavors, which is enhanced by the delightful spiciness of gochujang.
If you are looking for a more exciting way to get your veggies in, then this Korean stew is perfect for you.
The gochujang enhances the flavor of the vegetables, making the whole stew fresh, spicy, and incredibly moreish.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the veggies and try different combinations every time you make it.
Conclusion
Gochujang is incredibly popular in Korea, and now you know why.
Its sweet and spicy flavorings enhance any dish it is added to, whether you are in the mood for meat, noodles, rice, or anything in between.
Try some of our recommendations today and see which ones you enjoy the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Koreans Like Gochujang?
Gochujang is so popular with Koreans because it has a rich cultural history that dates back thousands of years. It uses local food ingredients found in Korea and it was originally used to enhance the taste of food.
Is Korean Gochujang Good For You?
Gochujang can be good for you in moderation. It is considered to be a healthier food option and can even help with weight loss.
How Long Does Gochujang Last Once Opened?
Once opened, gochujang lasts about a year as long as it is stored in the fridge and closed. Some variations of gochujang may not last that long, though. Unopened, it can last two years when stored in a cool, dark place.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
