Is Gochujang Gluten Free?
| Not all gochujang is gluten free, but there are lots of brands that do make gluten free versions now. Traditional gochujang usually has barley malt powder as an ingredient, which contains gluten. |
If you enjoy Korean food, you most likely have had Gochujang. This savory paste is a staple in Korean cuisine and makes the perfect spicy flavor enhancer. However, if you are on a gluten-free diet or have celiac disease, you need to know if it’s safe to eat!
In this article, we will explore what goes into gochujang sauce, where to find gluten-free varieties, and how to use it in your cooking!
What is Gochujang?
Gochujang is a popular Korean condiment that adds a spicy and savory flavor to many dishes. It is made from dried chili flakes (gochugaru), rice, salt, fermented soybeans, and more.
The red chili paste is a mixture of sweet and spicy ingredients, as it typically includes sugar and sesame oil. This condiment adds a unique touch to any dish, from soups to stir-fries.
Gluten-free Gochujang brands
While traditional gochujang contains barley malt powder which has gluten in it, there are now many brands that make gluten-free versions of the sauce.
If you’re looking for gluten free gochujang, there are several brands available online or possibly at your local grocery store. Most Asian stores also carry gluten-free options.
You can also find this popular condiment at most Korean markets or through an online retailer that specializes in Korean cuisine. Be sure to read the product packaging closely to ensure it is gluten-free before purchasing it.
Below are a few great gluten free Gochujang brands that we were able to find for you!
O’Food Gochujang Korean Chili Sauce
Get ready for some serious flavor with O’Food Gochujang Korean Chili Sauce! It’s made with red peppers, rice, and sea salt from Sunchang – a city known for making the best gochujang.
This sauce can make your meals taste delicious, and it’s gluten free and healthy. It has just the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, so everyone in your family will love it!
Ingredients
- Water
- Rice
- Red pepper powder
- Rice syrup
- Cane sugar
- Rice wine (water, rice, yeast)
- Garlic
- Sea salt
- Vinegar
- Onion
- Seed malt (rice)
Koko Gochujang (Fermented Hot Pepper Paste)
Koko Gochujang is a fantastic hot pepper paste made with natural and gluten-free ingredients. It’s imported from Korea and certified Kosher.
This paste has red peppers, rice, and sea salt – which all come together to give it a unique saucy twist on the traditional gochujang. Perfect for adding some extra spice to your dishes!
Ingredients
- Red pepper powder
- Dried fermented soybean powder
- Rice syrup
- Refined salt
- Water
K-Mama All-Purpose Gochujang Korean Hot Sauce
K-Mama brings a lot of flavor and warmth with its delicious Gochujang hot sauce. It’s totally gluten free, vegan, non-GMO, and MSG-free – so you don’t have to worry about anything!
Add it to classic recipes or use it to make something completely new – either way, it’ll take your meals up a notch.
Ingredients
- Gochujang (water, rice, red pepper powder, rice syrup, cane sugar, rice wine, garlic, sea salt, vinegar, onion, seed malt)
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Brown sugar
- Gluten-free soy sauce (water, soybeans, salt, sugar)
Q-Rapha Premium Korean Gochujang
Q-Rapha chili paste is the perfect way to make your meals unforgettable! This Gochujang is naturally aged and fermented, gluten-free, non-GMO, and has no MSG, preservatives, or additives.
Add it to any dish for a savory, spicy kick – it’s especially great for those on gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
- Water
- Soybean powder
- Cane sugar
- Chili powder
- Tomato
- Brown rice syrup
- Sea salt
- Spirits
What can I use Gochujang for?
Gochujang is perfect for marinades, dressings, stews, soups, braised dishes, and much more! In addition, it adds a unique flavor to rice bowls and noodles.
You can also use it as a spicy condiment for meats, seafood, or vegetables. With its unique combination of sweet and spicy flavors, gochujang is the perfect way to add interest to your meals!
What is a Gluten free substitute for Gochujang?
If you cannot find a gluten free Gochujang that you like, but you still need an easy way to add some spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness to a dish, we got you covered!
One good substitute for Gochujan would be Ssamjang. Ssamjang is a thick, spicy paste with gochujang, doenjang (fermented soybeans), sesame oil, onion, garlic, green onions, and brown sugar.
It’s a great alternative to gochujang, and you can add a splash of maple syrup and chili powder for extra flavor. Just be sure to check the label on any Ssamjang that you find in the store to make sure that it’s gluten-free.
Homemade gluten free Gochujang
Another great substitute to store-bought Gochujan would be to make your own gluten free version at home. All you need is to mix the following ingredients together for a delicious spicy sauce.
- Gluten free miso paste or doenjang
- Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- Maple syrup
- Gluten free soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Vinegar
- Onion powder
Gochujang FAQs
Gochujang typically has wheat or barley in it, so if you have celiac disease, look for one that’s made with rice instead. Most restaurants won’t have gluten-free Gochujang, but you can find plenty online to purchase and take with you out to eat!
Traditional gochujang usually has barley malt powder, which isn’t gluten-free. To make it suitable for people with gluten allergies, companies replace the barley malt with more rice syrup, glutinous rice flour, and fermented soy.
Miso is a common ingredient found in Gochujang, and not all miso is gluten-free. Depending upon the ingredients used, miso paste can be made from fermented soybeans and salt, or it may include glutenous grains such as wheat and barley. These varieties are not suitable for people with gluten allergies.
Before you go…
When looking to buy gluten free Gochujang, keep in mind that not all products labeled “gochujang” are gluten-free. Always read labels and double-check with the manufacturer before purchasing any product if you have a gluten allergy or intolerance.
We hope this article on Gochujang has been helpful and that you can now enjoy this delicious condiment without worrying about the gluten content.
For more information on gluten-free products, check out the following guides:
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Photo Credits:
- b00142 via Canva – Pixaby license
- Wikimedia creative commons license photo cred: Off-shell
