Gochujang Sauce: Three Easy and Delicious Recipes

If you’ve never tried gochujang sauce, get ready to dive into the bold, spicy, and sweet world of Korean food. Gochujang's depths of flavor-- with sweet, spicy, and savory notes all rolled into one- has the potential to bring a new life to even the simplest of recipes. Whether you’re whipping up a chicken or beef marinade, adding some kick to your favorite BBQ, or using it in dipping sauce, gochujang is the perfect way to spice up your meals.

We have three different gochujang sauce recipes that are simple to make and packed with flavor. From a classic Korean gochujang dipping sauce to a sweet and spicy marinade, you’ll learn how to bring the magic of gochujang into your kitchen. Plus, we’ll give you ideas on what to serve with these sauces, so you can experiment with Korean flavors in your favorite dishes.

What Is Gochujang?

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s talk a bit about what makes gochujang so special. Gochujang is a thick, spicy red chili paste that’s made by fermenting chili peppers, soybeans, and rice for months, resulting in a deep, rich flavor. It’s one of the backbones of Korean cuisine, used in dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, and even as a topping for ramen. Gochujang sauce is essentially a way to thin out the paste, mixing it with ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to create a versatile sauce that can be used in many ways. 

Classic Gochujang Dipping Sauce

This classic gochujang dipping sauce is perfect for adding a burst of Korean flavor to just about anything. It’s spicy, savory, and slightly sweet, making it a great condiment for rice bowls, stir-fries, grilled meats, and even as a vegetable dip.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons gochujang paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili powder) for extra heat (optional)
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a Blendtec Jar, blend together the gochujang paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and maple syrup.
2. Add the minced garlic and blend until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
3. If you like it extra spicy, sprinkle in the gochugaru and mix.
4. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

What to Use It On

This gochujang dipping sauce is perfect for drizzling over bibimbap or rice bowls. It also makes a great dipping sauce for dumplings, grilled vegetables, and even fried foods like tempura. Use it as a condiment for your favorite Asian-inspired dishes to add some extra zing.

Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Marinade

This gochujang marinade brings out the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, making it a great choice for marinating meats, tofu, or veggies. The combination of gochujang, soy sauce, and maple syrup helps to caramelize whatever you’re cooking, giving it a deep, rich flavor that’s perfect for grilling or roasting.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons gochujang paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce*
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Instructions

1. In a Blendtec, blend together the gochujang paste, soy sauce, rice wine, maple syrup, and sesame oil.
2. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and fish sauce (if using). Blend until the marinade is smooth.
3. Use the marinade to coat your choice of protein (chicken, beef, pork, tofu) or vegetables. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but the longer, the better.

*Adding the fish sauce is optional, but it adds a rich, salty flavor. Don't be scared of fish sauce! It won't make your marinade taste fishy. 

What to Use It On

This gochujang marinade is ideal for BBQ or roasted meats like bulgogi, chicken wings, or pork ribs. It also works wonders on grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. For a vegetarian option, try marinating tofu or tempeh for a delicious plant-based meal. You can also use this marinade to flavor your favorite stir-fry dishes.

Creamy Gochujang Sauce

If you’re looking for a creamy, spicy sauce to drizzle over your favorite dishes, this creamy gochujang sauce is the way to go. The richness of the sauce, combined with the heat of the gochujang, creates a unique and irresistible flavor that pairs well with just about anything. It’s perfect for those who want a little spice but don’t want to go overboard with the heat.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons gochujang paste
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Instructions

1. In a Blendtec, blend together the gochujang paste and mayonnaise until smooth.
2. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and sesame oil. Blend until well combined.
3. Adjust the consistency by adding more mayonnaise if you prefer a thicker sauce.

What to Use It On

This creamy gochujang sauce is perfect for drizzling over ramen, noodle bowls, or even as a spread for tacos, sandwiches, or burgers. It adds a spicy, creamy kick to grain bowls and pairs well with roasted vegetables or grilled shrimp. Use it as a dipping sauce for fries or chicken tenders for a fun twist on classic comfort food. You can even bring it to your next get-together as something to dip chips and veggies in- your friends and family can thank us later.

Where to Find Gochujang Paste

If you’re ready to try your hand at these gochujang recipes, you’ll need to get your hands on some gochujang paste. You can find it at most Korean markets, Asian grocery stores, or even on Amazon. When shopping for gochujang, look for a paste that is deep red in color, thick in texture, and made with fermented soybeans for that authentic Korean flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Gochujang

Aside from its bold flavor, gochujang has some impressive nutritional benefits. It’s low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a great option for those looking to add flavor without a lot of extra calories. The chili peppers used in gochujang are rich in vitamin C, while the soybeans provide potassium, calcium, and vitamin A. While some gochujang products contain added corn syrup, there are plenty of gluten-free and healthier options available if you check the labels.

Other Ideas for Gochujang Sauce

Now that you’ve got your sauces ready to go, here are a few ideas for how you can incorporate them into your meals:

• Bibimbap: Drizzle any of these sauces over a bowl of rice topped with veggies, meat, and a fried egg for a delicious and filling Korean rice bowl.
• BBQ Burgers: Add a spoonful of creamy gochujang sauce to your burgers or sliders for a spicy twist on American BBQ.
• Korean Tacos: Use the sweet and spicy marinade on grilled meats and serve in tortillas with fresh veggies and a drizzle of creamy gochujang sauce.
• Ramen: Top your favorite bowl of ramen with a spoonful of gochujang dipping sauce for a fiery kick of flavor.
• Grilled Veggies: Toss your vegetables in the sweet and spicy marinade before grilling or roasting for a delicious side dish with an Asian twist.
• Chicken Wings: Marinate chicken wings in the sweet and spicy gochujang sauce before grilling or baking for an addictive appetizer or main dish.

Gochujang sauce is an underrated condiment that can transform any meal into something special with its unique combination of heat, sweetness, and umami. Whether you’re making a classic dipping sauce, a flavorful marinade, or a creamy topping, gochujang adds a bold Korean twist to everyday dishes. With these three recipes, you can bring the flavors of Korea into your kitchen and experiment with new ways to enjoy this delicious ingredient.

Enter a New World of Flavor With Recipes Made With Your Blendtec

These gochujang sauce recipes from Blendtec are must-tries. Grab a jar of gochujang paste, get your Blendtec ready, and start experimenting with these delicious gochujang sauce recipes. Your Blendtec blender will help you bring flavor and convenience into every meal. Your taste buds will thank you!