What Is Gochujang And Is It Vegan?

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a red chilli paste native to and popularised by Korean cooking. It is used in a variety of dishes traditionally, including bibimbap, a Korean rice dish with vegetables and meat, and also with tteokbokki, a Korean street-food and home dish consisting of rice cakes stir-fried in gochujang. 

Gochujang is made with red chilli powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. Sometimes brands that sell gochujang paste add a sweetener and garlic into the paste too. Gochujang is salty, slightly smoky, and has a sweetness to it due to the Korean chilli pepper being sweet. It is also quite spicy, so if you don’t like much spice in your food, go easy – you have been warned.

Is gochujang vegan?

Most gochujang mixes are vegan. If you are buying the paste, check the ingredient list to make sure, but generally speaking the paste is vegan-friendly.

Where can I buy gochujang?

Gochujang has become more popular worldwide as it has begun being sold in big global chain supermarkets. Gochujang could previously only be bought in international grocery shops or Korean supermarkets, but now is sold in major supermarkets here in the UK, including Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons. Find it in the world food aisle. 

Can I make vegan food with gochujang?

Yes, absolutely! Gochujang is a versatile paste, and in Korea it is often used in vegetable and plant-based dishes. Here’s a recipe using gochujang for you to make at home.

Make Our Korean Kimchi Grain Bowl

For a healthy and delicious lunch or dinner, have a go making our Korean Kimchi Grain Bowl. Fluffy barley and black rice is topped with crunchy, crisp steamed veg, roasted portobello mushrooms and kimchi. It is served with a punchy, flavoursome sauce including a spoonful of gochujang for a hint of smoky-sweetness and providing a kick. It’s easy to make and really flavourful— and just one of the ways gochujang can add amazing flavour to your vegan meals.