Gochugaru is a coarsely ground Korean chili powder similar to crushed red pepper flakes in texture, traditionally made from sun-dried peppers without the seeds. It's a must for dishes like bulgogi and homemade kimchi.
Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
Gochugaru is an essential ingredient to Korean cooks everywhere for fiery flavor, a textured chili powder ranging from mild to hot, with a range of flavors depending on the peppers and preparation method.
If offers a wonderful level of heat and spicy with touches of sweet and it is an important element in your arsenal for making authentic Korean cuisine.
Learn more about it below.
What is Gochugaru?
Gochugaru is a coarsely ground Korean chili powder similar to crushed red pepper flakes in texture, traditionally made from sun-dried peppers without the seeds.
Common names also include Korean chili flakes, Korean hot pepper flakes, Korean red chili pepper flakes, and Korean chili powder. In the Korean regions, it is a must-have spice in the kitchen as it is an essential element for making gochujang, soups and stews, Kimchi, the famous cucumber salad, and other spicy food.
The chili flakes might look like other flakes and powders on the market but the texture and taste are very different.
It is noticeably bright red in color, and is essential to Korean food and cooking and used in many Korean recipes. It's an essential Korean spice for Korean cooking.
How Spicy is Gochugaru?
The spice and heat level of varies from mild to hot, depending on how it was made. The flavor is slightly smoky, sweet, and spicy at the same time.
How Is Gochugaru Made?
There are many Korean households who prefer making their own Gochugaru rather than buying from the market. To make their own, they buy dried korean red chili pepper from the market and follow these steps to make it at home.
How to Make Gochugaru:
- First, cut the stems and the upper part of the dried chilies and remove the seeds and innards. (If you prefer extra spice and heat, skip the coring and keep the innards)
- Next, clean the dried chilies with a cloth and grind them in the blender to make the chili flakes. For a fine powder, use a rice mill.
Korean cuisine awaits your cooking!
Gochugaru Substitutes
Here are some acceptable substitutes for Gochugaru.
- Gochujang – It is made with Gochugaru but has some ingredients such as sticky rice, salt, and soybeans to make a paste. The texture will be different but you will surely get the taste of Gochugaru. However, make sure you add less salt to the dish, as Gochujang is already somewhat salty.
- Red Pepper Powder – Consider Indian red chili powder or smoked or hot paprika powder or flakes, or a spicy Hungarian paprika for vibrant color and a touch of heat and spicy flavor. Cayenne powder is a great substitute as well.
- Chipotle Powder – This is the substitute to go for the smoky taste. Chipotle powder is made by grounding the dried and smoked jalapeno peppers.
- Cayenne Pepper Flakes – The texture of this spice is similar to Gochugaru and is already used in many Korean dishes, so you'll obtain a similar flavor. If you opt for the flakes, they are spicier as compared to the powder. Also consider Aleppo pepper flakes.
Gochugaru Vs Gochujang?
Gochugaru and Gochujang differ in texture, taste, and consistency. Many people think that they are same but it is not true.
Gochugaru is in flake or powder form whereas Gochujang is in paste form. In terms of taste, Gochujang has soybeans, glutinous rice, and salt mixed in it which means that the taste will be different as well.
Can I Use Gochugaru in Place of Gochujang?
Gochugaru and gochujang are not always ideal as substitutes for each other. The texture and the taste of Gochugaru and Gochujang differ from each other. If there is something urgent, you can use one in place of the other for most recipes, but do not expect the exact same flavor.
You can make your own gochujang from gochugaru but it will take time and effort.
Where Can I Buy Gochugaru?
You can find gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) in specialty grocery stores, though the chili powder or chili flakes may be difficult to source locally.
It is best to source the product online as your favorite specialty spice shop, as you can choose from different brands and quality.
Here is a recommend link to purchase online:
- Purchase Gochugaru product here at Amazon (affiliate link, my friends!)
Learn More About These Other Interesting Spice Blends
Questions? Feel free to contact me anytime. I'm happy to help. -- Mike H.
NOTE: This post was updated on 12/8/20 to include new information. It was originally published on 3/1/19.
Hélène says
What pepper is used to make gochugaru?
It’s not cayenne, it’s not poblano, it’s not habñero. What dried hot pepper is ground up and called gochugaru?
For instance, in American chili powder, it’s cayenne and paprika that are the dried ground peppers in it. Thank u
Mike H. says
Gochugaru is a coarsely ground Korean chili powder traditionally made from Korean red chili peppers known as taeyang-cho.
Jeanna says
Hi Mike, thanks for all of the great information you share online!
I love to grow peppers from seed and have started to pull together seeds to grow indoors this winter and outside in 2024. Do you have any suggestions for pepper varieties that might be close to the Korean peppers used to make authentic gochugaru?
Best, Jeanna
Mike Hultquist says
Hi, Jeanna. You can realistically grow cayennes for good heat, or bird's eyes. There are many in my Chili Pepper Types in the medium heat range that would work for you for great chili flakes. I've seem some people talk about "gochugaru" pepeprs, but haven't seen seeds, or "cheongyang peppers", though I haven't seen those. It's difficult, because some peppers might the same elsewhere, but called by different names. Even Korean markets and sites talk generically about "red peppers".
Jeanna says
Thanks Mike.
Sounds like a good option may be to go to a Korean market and do a taste test then save some of the seeds. I’ve had varied success with that strategy when I looked for other varieties but will give it a try - will also try Pepper Lovers and a few sites that specialize in Asian seeds.
May also just search through my bag of gochugaru flakes for a few random seeds missed in processing 🙂
Take care, Jeanna
Marc says
Thanks for this article Mike! This year I had around 2 Kilo of nice and fresh Gochugaru and after grinding the first few chillies, I realized it looks much more orange then the one from the shop. Of course this is all due to the seeds and the yellow innards! Next batch I follow your instructions. Looking forward to use it soon 🙂 Greetings from bavaria
Mike Hultquist says
Greeting, Marc! Thanks so much!
What knd of chili use to make gochugaru? Can i have a picture pls....? says
What kind of chile to be use for making gochugaru?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
It is made with local dried hot peppers, so likely a variety.
Heidi says
I make my own gochujang and Kim chi. However, one time I bought the powder instead of the flakes - if it isn’t written in English on the packet (and sometimes the store owners have limited English so I can’t explain the difference) and both are known as “gochugaru” how do I know I’m getting the right one? Thanks!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Heidi, you should be able to tell by the consistency. Powder will be more granular, while flakes will be larger bits.
Christi says
Hi Mike,
I would like to make Kimchi and have some Sambal Oelek. From your blog this is hotter than Gochujang. Do you think I could add soy sauce and rice (cooked and blended I would imagine) and mix this into the Sambal Oelek to tone it down and make it more the consistency of Gochujang, or should I just head to the store?
Great site! Thanks~
Christi
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Christi, I think that could work, but gochujang is quite distinctive and I think a trip to the store would be in order. Good luck. Thanks!
Clark says
Hello!
I've been trying to make an authentic Szechuan chili oil but have a hard time finding out exactly what chilis are used. I just watched a YouTube that suggests I use Gochugaru. Most recipes say use chili flakes or chilies without being specific. Occasionally I read that I should use Szechuan chili peppers but I don't find these in my local chinese grocery stores. (I did find chilis called "Tian Jin Red Chili") What chili should I use that has some heat but wont reduce me to a puddle of tears? 🙂
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Clark, you'll probably find most recipes just calling for either generic hot peppers or Chinese peppers, but of course, yes, those can vary by type and availability, depending on where you live. Realistically, Szechuan chili oil can be made with different peppers interchangeably. You can try to order some Chinese peppers online (get dried), but if you can't, you can make the same recipe with New Mexican peppers, Mexican pods, or others to achieve the same results. Try making it with chiles de arbol. I think you'll love the results.
Christie says
Are the flakes or powder milder? I purchased some gochugaru on 2 separate occasions and one was hotter than the other but I don't know why.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Christie, yes, the heat levels will vary based on the peppers being used.
Anna says
Hi, can I use fine Gochugaru to make kimchi Instead of the course Gochugaru? Thanks.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Anna, yes, you should be able to. Let me know how it turns out for you.
Helen Finnigan says
Hi Mike
Do Gochujang chilli pastes vary or are the differences simply the brand names?
I wondered if there were varying heats??
Thank you
Kind chilli regards
Helen fellow chilli lover.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hi, Helen. Yes, the types of gochujang vary by heat, ranging from milder to hotter, and there are also different brands. You have many options available to try, based on where you live. Good luck! Here is a page with more information - What is Gochujang? And Why You Need it Now - https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/homemade-condiments-recipes/what-is-gochujang-and-why-you-need-it-now/.