Move over, sriracha: There’s another must-have Asian condiment in town. Gochujang is a Korean sauce, and it’s a flavor bomb: a spicy, sticky paste made from chile peppers, glutinous rice and fermented soybeans. It’s sweet, smoky, salty, and funky, with the fermented soybeans adding an irresistible depth of flavor. A little dab goes a long way, bringing an explosion of umami to sauces, marinades, soups, and stews.
Like other spicy chile condiments, gochujang is potent. It’s meant to enhance other flavors, with a dollop or two combined with sweet and savory ingredients to create an addictive balance of salt, sweetness, acidity, and heat in every bite.
Gochujang is available at Asian markets, in the international section of well-stocked supermarkets, and online. Heat levels vary by brand, so taste a tiny bit before adding it to your food. Once opened, gochujang can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a year.
