One of the things we love to hear at farmers markets and festivals is, "Mmm this tastes exactly like gochujang!" That unique umami flavor that makes K-Mama Sauce so recognizable and distinctive is down to gochujang. For most people, their first introduction to gochujang is through Korean BBQ or the classic Korean rice bowl dish called bibimbap. Thered paste that you spread on the meat or mix in with the rice - that's gochujang.
In Korean, gochu means chili pepper and jang means paste. This fermented red pepper paste is a pantry staple in Korean households that dates back many hundreds of years. In fact, during the Joseon dynasty, gochujang was originally introduced as a medicinal food to improve digestive issues.
So what health benefits does consuming gochujang bring?
- Improves your gut health and immune system
Because of the fermentation process, gochujang is packed with healthy probiotics and digestive enzymes. Research has shown that our immune system is tied to how good our gut health is.1 If you’d like to kick your gut health up another notch, help yourself to our kimchi rice bowl recipe here!
- Powerful antioxidant properties
Like fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains, the chili peppers in gochujang are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your cells from damage by free radicals, which are linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.2 Not only are antioxidants known for their anti-inflammatory properties,3 some experts also believe that they are key to slowing down the aging process. So keep yourself looking youthful while having more of our sauce!
- Boosts metabolism
Trying to burn up extra calories? Add gochujang to your meal! The active component in chili peppers is called capsaicin. One study from the University of Tsukuba in Japan showed that having some red pepper in your meal elevates energy expenditure.4 Other findings also indicate that capsaicin can lower lipid levels and increase metabolism.5 However, tolerance for spicy foods varies from individual to individual and if you’re quite new on your journey to spice, start with a bottle of the Mild.
- Helps prevent heart disease
Heart disease has been the #1 cause of death in the USA for a while now. And that is typically due to the buildup of bad cholesterol and triglycerides. But participants in one study who took a gochujang supplement not only saw a decrease in visceral fat (fat wrapped around organs deep inside your body) but also had lower triglyceride levels.6 In fact, because my family has a history of high blood pressure and my wife herself was born with severely high triglyceride levels, we include these heart-healthy recipes (Smoked Salmon Poke Bowl andSalmon with Sugar Snap Peas) as part of our household menu rotation.
So, grab yourself some of our sauce, make some delicious food and share it with friends and family. Because ultimately, we believe that food is about bringing people together. And surrounding yourself with people you love is the best thing you can do for your health!
1Fields, Helen. The Gut: Where Bacteria and Immune System Meet. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/research/advancements-in-research/fundamentals/in-depth/the-gut-where-bacteria-and-immune-system-meet
2Nishino H, Tokuda H, Satomi Y, Masuda M, Osaka Y, Yogosawa S, Wada S, Mou XY, Takayasu J, Murakoshi M, Jinnno K, Yano M. Cancer prevention by antioxidants. Biofactors. 2004;22(1-4):57-61. doi: 10.1002/biof.5520220110. PMID: 15630252.
3Mangge H, Becker K, Fuchs D, Gostner JM. Antioxidants, inflammation and cardiovascular disease. World J Cardiol. 2014 Jun 26;6(6):462-77. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v6.i6.462. PMID: 24976919; PMCID: PMC4072837.
4Yoshioka M, Lim K, Kikuzato S, Kiyonaga A, Tanaka H, Shindo M, Suzuki M. Effects of red-pepper diet on the energy metabolism in men. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 1995 Dec;41(6):647-56. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.41.647. PMID: 8926537.
5Ludy MJ, Moore GE, Mattes RD. The effects of capsaicin and capsiate on energy balance: critical review and meta-analyses of studies in humans. Chem Senses. 2012 Feb;37(2):103-21. doi: 10.1093/chemse/bjr100. Epub 2011 Oct 29. PMID: 22038945; PMCID: PMC3257466.
6Cha YS, Kim SR, Yang JA, Back HI, Kim MG, Jung SJ, Song WO, Chae SW. Kochujang, fermented soybean-based red pepper paste, decreases visceral fat and improves blood lipid profiles in overweight adults. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2013 Feb 26;10(1):24. doi: 10.1186/1743-7075-10-24. PMID: 23442518; PMCID: PMC3599636.
FAQs
Gochujang traditionally also gets its gentle sweetness from its fermentation process, which takes place over several years (all good things to those who wait and all that). That process sees the starches in the rice convert to sugars, resulting in all kinds of boom-boom-pow-knock-your-socks-off addictive awesomeness.
Why is gochujang so good? ›
Gochujang traditionally also gets its gentle sweetness from its fermentation process, which takes place over several years (all good things to those who wait and all that). That process sees the starches in the rice convert to sugars, resulting in all kinds of boom-boom-pow-knock-your-socks-off addictive awesomeness.
Does gochujang contain probiotics? ›
Gochujang contains aflatoxins and probiotics, along with other ingredients (such as capsaicin, isoflavones, and probiotics) and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects in other diseases [9,[23], [24], [25]].
Is gochujang good for blood pressure? ›
This study demonstrates that Gochujang has anti-hypertensive effects regardless of its high salt content and provide the evidence regarding the distinct impacts between salt in Gochujang and the table salt. Keywords: Gochujang; Hypertension; Korean paradox; Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Why is gochujang so addictive? ›
Unlike a lot of hot sauces, which are made mainly with chilies and vinegar, gochujang also contains — along with gochu (Korean hot peppers) — sticky glutinous rice, fermented soy beans and salt, which is what gives it that addictive, umami taste.
Is gochujang good for your gut? ›
Fermented soybeans in Gochujang makes it a great source of probiotics that can boost healthy gut microbiomes. Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for digestion and overall gut health. However, it's important to note that Gochujang also contains chili peppers, which can be spicy.
Is gochujang anti-inflammatory? ›
In conclusion, Gochujang showed anti-hepatic inflammation effects via reduced lipid accumulation, hepatic injury, and inflammatory response together with reorganization of gut microbiota dysbiosis regardless of salt content and the difference of micro bacteria composition.
Is gochujang good for the liver? ›
Gochujang has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in the liver by reducing lipid accumulation, liver damage, and inflammatory response along with reorganization of intestinal microflora dysbiosis, independent of salt content and differences in microbial composition.
What vitamins are in gochujang? ›
Containing abundant nutrients including protein, vitamin B2, vitamin C, carotenes and more, Gochujang has been registered with the Codex Alimentarius Commission, an organization that aims to maintain and promote food quality on an international level.
What are the side effects of Gochujang sauce? ›
Risks and Side Effects
You should avoid gochujang if you are allergic or have a sensitivity to any of its ingredients. If you experience any symptoms like hives, itching or swelling after consumption, discontinue use immediately and consult with your doctor. The amount of capsaicin present is generally safe to consume.
This spicy paste is salty, savory and slightly sweet, and can be used in many ways including in soups, stews, marinades and sauces. Traditional Korean dishes that include gochujang are bibimbap, a mixed rice dish, tteokbokki, a spicy rice cake street food, and Jeyuk Bokkeum, a spicy marinated pork stir-fry.
Which Korean spice helps you lose weight? ›
Gochujang is an ancient secret which can help in losing weight, this is because the fiery condiment is made by fermenting chili peppers, which are loaded with an antioxidant known as Capsaicin.
Should you refrigerate gochujang? ›
Does Gochujang Need to be Refrigerated? Like miso, another fermented product, gochujang needs to be sealed and refrigerated after opening the package.
Can I eat gochujang alone? ›
Gochujang has a spicy and umami flavor that can be intense if consumed alone. We suggest combining it with water, liquid, or stock to thin out the sauce and mellow out the heat.
Can I eat gochujang raw? ›
It's safe to eat gochujang paste raw, but I don't recommend it. The flavor is very strong and is best when combined with other ingredients to make a pourable sauce.
Can you eat gochujang by itself? ›
Although it is rarely, if ever, used as a finishing sauce, gochujang can be used straight from the tub. In fact, many Koreans will eat it as is as an accompaniment to raw vegetables (like crudité) and dried anchovies.
Is gochujang just red pepper paste? ›
Gochujang, a fundamental ingredient in Korean cooking, is a thick and spicy-sweet crimson paste made from red chile pepper flakes, glutinous rice (also known as sticky rice), fermented soybeans, and salt.
Is gochujang hotter than sriracha? ›
It's like sriracha but has a deeper flavor profile with less vinegar and more sweetness. Gochujang is also less spicy than sriracha, so if you like sweet-spicy combinations then gochujang will be the perfect addition to your kitchen pantry.
