Gochugaru is a type of Korean chili powder made from dried red chili peppers. It has a vibrant red color and a slightly sweet and smoky flavor, with a medium level of spiciness.
Gochugaru is a staple ingredient in Korean cuisine and is used to add heat and depth of flavor to many dishes, including kimchi, stews, soups, and marinades. It is also used as a seasoning for meat, fish, and vegetables, and can be added to sauces and dressings for an extra kick of flavor.
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Gochugaru in the US restaurant scene
In recent years, Gochugaru has gained popularity outside of Korean cuisine and has been used by chefs and home cooks in a variety of dishes, including tacos, burgers, and cocktails. Some US restaurants and bars that have used Gochugaru outside of Korean restaurants include:
Mama Rabbit Bar in Las Vegas, Nevada: This bar features a Gochugaru Margarita on their menu, which is made with Gochugaru-infused tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, and Cointreau.
Nudo Noodle House & Bar in Boston, Massachusetts: This restaurant serves a Gochugaru Ramen, which is a spicy noodle soup made with Gochugaru, pork broth, pork belly, and soft-boiled egg.
The Gorbals in Brooklyn, New York: This restaurant offers a Gochugaru-rubbed Ribeye Steak on their menu, which is seasoned with Gochugaru, garlic, and salt.
City Mouse in Chicago, Illinois: This restaurant features a Gochugaru Chicken Sandwich, which is made with Gochugaru-marinated chicken, pickled vegetables, and gochujang aioli.
Nightshade in Los Angeles, California: This restaurant serves a Gochugaru Fried Chicken dish, which is coated in a spicy Gochugaru glaze and served with pickled daikon and carrots.
These are just a few examples of US restaurants and bars that are incorporating Gochugaru into their menus. As the popularity of Korean cuisine continues to grow, we can expect to see more chefs and home cooks experimenting with this flavorful ingredient in a variety of dishes.
Top Korean Dishes using Gochugaru
Kimchi: Gochugaru is an essential ingredient in traditional Korean kimchi, a fermented cabbage dish that is a staple in Korean cuisine. It gives the dish its characteristic spicy flavor and vibrant red color.
Tteokbokki: Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made with chewy rice cakes, fish cakes, and a spicy red sauce made with Gochugaru. It is often garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Jjigae: Jjigae is a Korean stew that can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as tofu, seafood, or pork. Gochugaru is often used to add spice to the broth, along with other seasonings such as garlic and soy sauce.
Bulgogi: Bulgogi is a Korean beef dish that is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and Gochugaru, among other ingredients. It is often grilled or stir-fried and served with rice and vegetables.
Bibimbap: Bibimbap is a Korean rice bowl dish that typically includes a variety of vegetables, meat, and a fried egg, all served over a bed of rice. Gochugaru is often used to season the meat and add spice to the dish.
The easiest way to experiment Gochugaru
Spice up your burgers: Add a pinch of Gochugaru to your burger seasoning mix for a spicy twist on a classic dish.
Sprinkle on roasted vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables in olive oil and sprinkle with Gochugaru before roasting for a flavorful and spicy side dish.
Make a Gochugaru spice blend: Mix Gochugaru with other spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika to create a unique spice blend that can be used on anything from roasted chicken to grilled fish.
Stir into a soup: Add a small amount of Gochugaru to your favorite soup recipe for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
Garnish a Bloody Mary: Mix Gochugaru with salt and rim the glass of a Bloody Mary for a spicy and flavorful twist on this classic cocktail.
Overall, Gochugaru is a versatile ingredient that can add a spicy and smoky flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Don't be afraid to experiment and find new ways to incorporate this flavorful ingredient into your cooking.
10 flavors or ingredients that pair well with Gochugaru
Garlic: The pungent flavor of garlic complements the smoky sweetness of Gochugaru and adds depth to many Korean dishes.
Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in Korean cuisine and pairs well with Gochugaru to create a savory and umami-rich flavor profile.
Ginger: The spicy and slightly sweet flavor of ginger pairs well with Gochugaru and is often used in marinades for meats and seafood.
Sesame oil: The nutty flavor of sesame oil pairs well with the smokiness of Gochugaru and is often used as a finishing oil in Korean dishes.
Rice vinegar: The mild acidity of rice vinegar helps to balance the heat of Gochugaru and adds a tangy flavor to dishes like kimchi and bibimbap.
Scallions: The mild onion flavor of scallions complements the heat of Gochugaru and is often used as a garnish in Korean dishes.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar can help to balance the spiciness of Gochugaru and enhance its sweet and smoky flavor profile.
Fish sauce: Fish sauce is a popular ingredient in Korean cuisine and pairs well with Gochugaru to create a rich and savory flavor.
Mushrooms: The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs well with the smokiness of Gochugaru and is often used in stews and soups.
Radishes: Radishes have a mild and refreshing flavor that pairs well with the heat of Gochugaru and is often used as a crunchy garnish in Korean dishes like bibimbap.
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