Description
A bold, spicy, and umami-rich Korean fermented chili paste made from sweet rice flour, fermented soybean powder, and Korean chili flakes. This homemade gochujang is vegan, gluten-free, and offers authentic depth of flavor from fermentation.
Ingredients
1 cup sweet rice flour (glutinous rice flour)
3 cups water
1/2 cup fermented soybean powder (meju garu)
1 1/2 cups Korean red chili pepper powder (gochugaru)
1/2 cup malt barley syrup (or rice syrup)
1/2 cup sea salt
Optional: 2 tablespoons sake or mirin
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk the sweet rice flour into the water until smooth.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a shiny, smooth paste (about 10–12 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the fermented soybean powder until fully blended.
- Add the Korean chili powder (gochugaru) and salt, mixing until the paste becomes a deep red color.
- Stir in the barley syrup (and sake or mirin, if using) until the texture is thick and rich.
- Transfer the paste into a clean glass jar or airtight container.
- Fermentation Option: Cover with cheesecloth or a breathable lid and leave in a cool, dry spot with indirect sunlight for 2 to 4 weeks, stirring every few days. Once fermented to taste, seal and refrigerate.
- Quick Option: Skip fermentation and refrigerate immediately. Flavor improves over time.
Notes
Adjust the amount of gochugaru to control spice level.
Use certified gluten-free ingredients for a gluten-free version.
Rice syrup offers a milder sweetness compared to barley syrup.
Sake or mirin adds sweetness and aroma.
Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 6 months.
Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Fermentation
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
