Gochugaru
Korean red pepper flakes with a fruity, moderate heat and a coarser, brighter-red texture than standard chili flakes. The backbone of kimchi and Korean chili pastes.
Used for
- kimchi
- Korean stews
- marinades
- banchan
In the kitchen
- Bloom briefly in oil to deepen color and flavor.
- Mix with liquid to make a paste for kimchi seasoning.
- Don't substitute standard red pepper flakes 1:1. The flavor and heat differ.
Picking it at the store
- Coarse-ground is standard for kimchi; fine-ground exists for other dishes. Check which a recipe expects.
- Color should be bright red, not brownish. Dull color is a sign it's stale.
Related terms
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