- published: 18 Apr 2012
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Gochujang (Korean: 고추장, IPA: [ko.tɕʰu.tɕaŋ] Koryo-mar:кочхицай) is a savory and pungent fermented Korean condiment made from red chili, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans and salt. Traditionally, it has been naturally fermented over years in large earthen pots outdoors, more often on an elevated stone platform, called jangdokdae (장독대) in the backyard. Its HS code is 2103.90.1030.
Gochujang (hot pepper paste) is believed to have been first used in Korea in the late 18th century, after chili was introduced via Japan in the 16th century. According to the Jungbo Sallim geongje (증보산림경제, 1765), gochujang was made by adding powdered red chili peppers and glutinous rice powder to soybean paste, and aging this paste under the sun. This recipe is similar to the recipe used today to make gochujang.
Gochujang's primary ingredients are red chili powder, glutinous rice powder mixed with powdered fermented soybeans, and salt. Major substitutes for the main ingredient, glutinous rice (chapssal, hangul: 찹쌀), include normal short-grain rice (maepssal, hangul: 멥쌀), and barley, and less frequently, whole wheat kernels, jujubes, pumpkin, and sweet potato; these ingredients are used to make specialty variations. A small amount of sweetener, such as sugar, syrup, or honey, is also sometimes added. It is a dark, reddish paste with a rich, piquant flavor.