{"id":"recipe_c369870a8e","slug":"gochujang-korean-red-chili-paste","title":"Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste)","description":"A fundamental Korean condiment that offers a complex balance of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors. This fermented paste is essential for classic dishes like bibimbap, tteokbokki, and various stews.","serves":20,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":40,"totalMinutes":60,"activeMinutes":60},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"1 liter Water","name":"Water","quantity":1,"unit":"l","usQuantity":1.1,"usUnit":"qt","form":"liquid","notes":"","group":"base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"500g Glutinous rice flour","name":"Glutinous Rice Flour","quantity":500,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"3 1/3","usUnit":"cup","form":"powder","notes":"also known as sweet rice flour","group":"base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"500g Rice syrup","name":"Rice Syrup","quantity":500,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1 1/2","usUnit":"cup","form":"syrup","notes":"Jocheong; can substitute with honey","group":"sweetener","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"200g Fermented soybean powder","name":"Soybean","quantity":200,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1 1/2","usUnit":"cup","form":"powder","notes":"Meju-garu specifically for gochujang","group":"fermentation_base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"500g Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)","name":"Gochugaru","quantity":500,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.1,"usUnit":"lb","form":"fine powder","notes":"Use the fine powder version for a smooth paste","group":"spice","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"150g Sea salt","name":"Sea Salt","quantity":150,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/2","usUnit":"cup","form":"fine","notes":"Adjust to taste for preservation","group":"seasoning","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"In a large heavy-bottomed pot, whisk together the water and glutinous rice flour until no lumps remain.","group":"Preparation","title":"Whisk together the water and glutinous rice flour","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens into a translucent porridge and starts to bubble. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.","group":"Cooking","title":"Place the pot over medium heat","timerMinutes":15,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"While the mixture is still hot, stir in the rice syrup (Jocheong). Mix thoroughly until completely incorporated.","group":"Mixing","title":"Stir in the rice syrup","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Mixing"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm. Add the fermented soybean powder (Meju-garu) and whisk vigorously to ensure there are no lumps.","group":"Mixing","title":"Allow the mixture","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Mixing"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Gradually add the fine gochugaru (chili flakes). Stir well until the powder is fully hydrated and the mixture turns a deep, uniform red.","group":"Mixing","title":"Gradually add the fine gochugaru","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Mixing"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Finally, stir in the sea salt. The salt acts as a preservative for the fermentation process.","group":"Seasoning","title":"Finally, stir in the sea salt","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Seasoning"},{"id":"instruction-7","text":"Transfer the paste to sterilized glass or ceramic jars. Cover the surface with a thin layer of salt or plastic wrap to prevent mold. Store in a cool, dark place for 2-3 months to ferment, or in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks before using for better flavor development.","group":"Fermentation","title":"Transfer the paste","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Fermentation"}],"notes":"Traditional gochujang requires months of fermentation in earthenware jars (onggi). This recipe follows a traditional method but can be aged in glass jars in a cool place or a refrigerator for a quicker, safer fermentation for home cooks.","cuisine":{"group":"East Asian","specific":["Korean"]},"course":["sauce"],"cookingMethod":["simmer","noCook"],"equipment":["Large heavy-bottomed pot","Whisk","Wooden spoon","Sterilized glass jars"],"diet":["vegan","gluten_free","dairy_free"],"allergens":["soy"],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":2.5,"unit":"kg","note":"Yields approximately 2.5 kilograms of paste"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"Must be made ahead as it requires fermentation to achieve the signature depth of flavor."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the surface stays clean to prevent mold.","reheatingNotes":"Does not require reheating; used as a cold or room-temperature ingredient in cooking."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_c369870a8e%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=b341de32-8df7-4336-898b-2ed9e71b816e","imageAlt":"Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste) — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["spicy","fermented","condiment","korean-staple","umami","base-sauce"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste)","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T20:12:28.703Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T20:12:28.703Z","related":[{"id":"recipe_83e4467100","slug":"hoisin-sauce","title":"Hoisin Sauce","description":"A rich, savory, and sweet East Asian condiment perfect for glazing meats, dipping, or enhancing stir-fries.","serves":16,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":5,"activeMinutes":5},"cuisine":{"group":"East Asian","specific":["Chinese","Cantonese"]},"course":["sauce"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","dairy_free","egg_free","low_fat"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_83e4467100%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=cd54aa27-ba7a-4547-b221-fc501d61746c","imageAlt":"Hoisin Sauce — recipe cover","tags":["hoisin","condiment","stir-fry","dipping sauce","savory","sweet"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":9,"stepCount":3},{"id":"recipe_7ae437116a","slug":"homemade-teriyaki-sauce","title":"Homemade Teriyaki Sauce","description":"A classic, glossy East Asian glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors for marinating or stir-frying.","serves":8,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":5,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"East Asian","specific":["Japanese"]},"course":["sauce"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","dairy_free","nut_free","low_fat"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_7ae437116a%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=f066700d-234b-463f-88ad-d0d0d8bb6834","imageAlt":"Homemade Teriyaki Sauce — recipe cover","tags":["teriyaki","sauce","japanese","glaze","marinade","sweet and savory"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":6,"stepCount":4},{"id":"recipe_99aecbe9a5","slug":"miso-tare","title":"Miso Tare","description":"A rich, savory, and versatile Japanese miso-based sauce perfect for dipping, glazing, or enhancing stir-fries.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":5,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"East Asian","specific":["Japanese"]},"course":["sauce"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","dairy_free","nut_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_99aecbe9a5%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=a365105d-a14c-4b5e-b32f-73b10fcdee31","imageAlt":"Miso Tare — recipe cover","tags":["miso","japanese","sauce","tare","umami","condiment","easy"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":4}]}