Vegan Gochujang
Condiments
Nutri-ScoreA

Vegan Gochujang

N/A

Clinical Encyclopedia

Vegan gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It is known for its rich umami flavor and spicy kick, making it a popular condiment in various dishes.

Also known as:
Korean chili pasteSpicy fermented paste
Scientific NameN/A
Region of OriginSouth Korea

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories100 kcal
Water
60%
Fiber1.5g
Total26.0g
Protein
5g(19%)
Fats
1g(4%)
Carbohydrates
20g(77%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.1 mg (8%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.1 mg (6%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)1 mg (6%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.5 mg (10%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.1 mg (5%)
Folate10 mcg (3%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin C: 1 mgVitamin B12: 0 mcgCholine: 5 mg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Calcium20 mg (2%)
Iron0.5 mg (3%)
Magnesium10 mg (2%)
Phosphorus20 mg (2%)
Potassium200 mg (4%)
Zinc0.3 mg (3%)
Copper0.1 mg (5%)
Manganese0.1 mg (5%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Selenium: 0.2 mcg

Health Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and beneficial compounds that may help reduce inflammation and improve gut health.
Contains probiotics from fermentation, which can support digestive health and enhance the immune system.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!High sodium content may pose risks for individuals with hypertension or those on a low-sodium diet.

How to Prepare & Consume

Best used as a marinade, in sauces, or as a flavor enhancer in soups and stews.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose gochujang that is labeled vegan and check for quality ingredients without additives.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dark place; refrigerate after opening to maintain freshness.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
AntimicrobialDigestive aid
Main Applications
Enhancing flavor in dishes
Marinades for plant-based proteins
Bioactive Compounds
Capsaicin

May help in pain relief and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Isoflavones

Plant compounds that may have antioxidant effects.

How to Consume
Used in marinades, sauces, soups, and as a condiment.
Did you know?

"Gochujang has been a staple in Korean cuisine for centuries and is often used in traditional dishes like bibimbap and tteokbokki."

Myths vs Realities

MythGochujang is only for Korean dishes.
RealityIt can be used in a variety of cuisines to add depth and flavor.
MythAll gochujang is the same.
RealityDifferent brands and types can vary significantly in flavor and spice level.
MythGochujang is unhealthy due to its spice.
RealityIn moderation, it can be part of a healthy diet and offers health benefits.

Healthy Recipes

Spicy Gochujang Quinoa Bowl

A nutritious quinoa bowl packed with colorful veggies and a spicy gochujang dressing, perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegan gochujang
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and corn.
  2. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together vegan gochujang, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa mixture, toss gently, and top with avocado slices before serving.

Gochujang Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

These spicy roasted cauliflower tacos are bursting with flavor and topped with a refreshing slaw, making them a perfect healthy meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons vegan gochujang
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
  • 1/2 cup carrots, grated
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. 2. Toss cauliflower florets with vegan gochujang and olive oil, then spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes.
  3. 3. In a bowl, mix red cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to create the slaw. Serve roasted cauliflower in tortillas topped with slaw.

Gochujang Chickpea Salad

A protein-packed chickpea salad with a spicy gochujang dressing, perfect for meal prep or a quick healthy lunch.

Ingredients
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegan gochujang
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon tahini
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together vegan gochujang, apple cider vinegar, tahini, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and serve chilled.

Gochujang Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers

These hearty sweet potato and black bean burgers are infused with gochujang for a spicy kick, perfect for grilling season.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup mashed sweet potato
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons vegan gochujang
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 whole grain burger buns
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potato, black beans, breadcrumbs, gochujang, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. 2. Form into patties and grill or pan-fry for about 5 minutes on each side.
  3. 3. Serve on whole grain buns with your favorite toppings.

Gochujang Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables

A quick and easy stir-fry featuring tofu and seasonal vegetables, all tossed in a spicy gochujang sauce for a flavorful meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 block firm tofu, cubed
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
  • 2 tablespoons vegan gochujang
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • Cooked brown rice for serving
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat, add tofu and cook until golden brown.
  2. 2. Add mixed vegetables, ginger, gochujang, and soy sauce, stir-frying for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  3. 3. Serve over cooked brown rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Gochujang Zucchini Noodles

A low-carb alternative to pasta, these zucchini noodles are tossed in a spicy gochujang sauce and topped with fresh herbs.

Ingredients
  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • 2 tablespoons vegan gochujang
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup peanuts, crushed
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix gochujang, peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice to create the sauce.
  2. 2. Toss spiralized zucchini with the sauce until well coated.
  3. 3. Top with cilantro and crushed peanuts before serving.

Gochujang Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Colorful vegetable skewers marinated in a spicy gochujang sauce, perfect for grilling and packed with flavor.

Ingredients
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red onion, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons vegan gochujang
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Skewers
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix gochujang, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  2. 2. Toss the vegetables in the marinade and let sit for 30 minutes.
  3. 3. Thread vegetables onto skewers and grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

Gochujang Spicy Lentil Soup

A hearty and warming lentil soup infused with gochujang, packed with protein and perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons vegan gochujang
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  2. 2. Add lentils, vegetable broth, gochujang, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
  3. 3. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.

Gochujang Avocado Toast

A simple yet flavorful avocado toast topped with a spicy gochujang drizzle, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

Ingredients
  • 2 slices whole grain bread
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 tablespoon vegan gochujang
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
  2. 2. In a bowl, mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Spread the avocado on the toast, drizzle with gochujang, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.

Gochujang Coconut Curry

A creamy coconut curry with a spicy gochujang kick, loaded with vegetables and served over rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon vegan gochujang
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, peas)
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Cooked jasmine rice for serving
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, heat olive oil and add mixed vegetables, cooking until tender.
  2. 2. Stir in coconut milk, gochujang, curry powder, and salt, simmering for 10 minutes.
  3. 3. Serve over cooked jasmine rice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is vegan gochujang gluten-free?

It depends on the brand; check for gluten-free labeling.

How spicy is vegan gochujang?

It typically ranges from mild to moderately spicy, depending on the chili used.

Can I use gochujang in non-Korean dishes?

Yes, it can enhance the flavor of various cuisines, including stir-fries and marinades.

How should I store vegan gochujang?

Store it in a cool, dark place or refrigerate after opening.

What are the main ingredients in vegan gochujang?

The main ingredients are red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt.

Can I make gochujang at home?

Yes, it can be made at home using the right ingredients and fermentation process.

Is gochujang healthy?

In moderation, it can be a healthy addition due to its probiotic content and antioxidants.

What dishes can I use gochujang in?

It can be used in soups, stews, marinades, and as a condiment for various dishes.