Are you someone who is totally obsessed with Korean delicacies and love their spice quotient, but often wonder what gives these Korean delights that perfect taste and texture? Then here’s one of the best kept secrets of
Korean cuisine
that can instantly amp up the taste and experience of any delicacy. Here’s all you need to know about this fermented spice condiment and its lesser known health benefits and how you can recreate the same magic at home.
The secret Korean condiment
Well,
Gochujang
is that popular Korean
fermented chili paste
, which adds a unique taste, flavour and texture to most oriental delicacies.
But you will be surprised to know that much like it’s unique taste and flavour, this condiment is loaded with nutrients that can naturally help in improving metabolic rate and improve gut health.
What is Gochujang? How is it made?
Gochujang is a popular Korean fermented chili paste, which is extensively used in Korean cuisine. This unique condiment is made using red chili peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. This traditional condiment is then aged in earthenware pots, which gives Gochujang a distinctive savory, sweet, and spicy flavor and taste.
Why Gochujang?
Gochujang contains protein derived from fermented soybeans, offering a plant-based protein source. The inclusion of ingredients like fermented soybeans and glutinous rice provides dietary fiber. The fermentation process also contributes to the synthesis of B vitamins. The fermentation process adds depth to its taste and introduces beneficial compounds. though specific amounts can vary. Apart from that, this condiment is also loaded with minerals such as iron and magnesium, from fermented soybeans and an antioxidant called
Capsaicin
from red chili peppers, which can help accelerate metabolism, reduce inflammation and boost gut health and promote weight loss.
Is it good for your health?
Fermented foods are naturally rich in probiotics that are beneficial for digestive health and helps in boosting metabolic rate, which helps in effective weight loss. 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. Spicy foods can sometimes irritate the digestive system, especially for individuals who are sensitive to spicy foods or have pre-existing digestive conditions such as acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). People suffering from such sensitivity can either avoid or add only a small amount of this fermented paste to avoid triggering ailments and allergic reactions. Thus, to reap the benefits of this chili condiment it is best to consume it in moderation.
FAQs
Is Gochujang Healthy? Traditionally, gochujang is used to add flavor to rice while aiding the digestive system. It contains the digestive enzymes amylase and protease. The former is instrumental in the breaking down of starch, and the latter helps break down proteins.
Is gochujang good for gut health? ›
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 paste unhealthy? ›
Health Benefits of Gochujang
Gochujang contains the digestive enzymes amylase—which breaks down starches, and protease—which breaks down proteins. This makes Gochujang a great digestive aid, especially when consumed with other foods such as meat.
Does gochujang cause inflammation? ›
Abnormal fat accumulation with gut microbiota dysbiosis results in hepatic inflammation by upregulating the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inflammatory cytokine. Gochujang, a traditional fermented condiment, has beneficial effects, such as anti-colonic inflammatory effects.
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.
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 Korean food is good for your gut? ›
Kimchi, in particular, has gone from being South Korea's national dish to something of an international phenomenon. With attention focused firmly on gut health in 2024, the fermented cabbage dish is back in the spotlight as an excellent example of a gut-boosting ingredient.
Why do Koreans use gochujang? ›
As gochujang is very concentrated, it's typically used to add depth to dishes in collaboration with other ingredients, rather than as a standalone condiment.
Is there a lot of salt in gochujang? ›
Gochujag is usually made with gochujang paste, which has as much as 500 mg of sodium per tablespoon. My low sodium sauce has just 4 mg per tablespoon. It's great on bibimbap, or any rice or noodle dish, really.
Does gochujang need to be refrigerated? ›
Like miso, another fermented product, gochujang needs to be sealed and refrigerated after opening the package.
If you experience negative symptoms after eating spicy foods, you may want to avoid gochujang and consider an acid reflux diet.
Does Gochujang paste have MSG? ›
At Mother-in-Law's, our gochujang is made using traditional ingredients like malt syrup, rice flour, non-gmo soybeans, and non-gmo chile peppers. We never use MSG in our products so that the flavor you get is the true, natural flavor of fermentation.
How healthy is gochujang? ›
Results showed that gochujang improved glucose homeostasis by reducing insulin resistance. Glucose homeostasis is the balance of glucagon and insulin that maintains blood glucose levels. More studies have also linked capsaicin to anticancer, antiobesity, antidiabetic, and pain- and itch-relieving effects.
Are there probiotics in gochujang? ›
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.
Is gochujang Fodmap friendly? ›
In conclusion, gochujang can be considered low FODMAP friendly for most individuals on a low FODMAP diet. Its fermentation process significantly reduces the FODMAP content, making it well-tolerated by many. However, it is essential to check the label or ingredient list for any potential high FODMAP additives.
Is gochujang low histamine? ›
All gochujang products had considerable amounts of total BAs ranging from 52.95 mg/kg to 176.24 mg/kg. Individually, histamine and tyramine were either not detected or detected up to 16.94 mg/kg and 2.15–52.34 mg/kg, respectively.
Is kimchi good for guts? ›
Along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, kimchi contains natural probiotic bacteria. If you eat them regularly, the probiotics in fermented foods can be beneficial to your gut microbiome. Studies suggest that eating kimchi on a daily basis could help to improve some digestive problems.
What bacteria is in gochujang? ›
A total of 7 genera and 31 species of microorganisms were identified in the gochujang: 29% was identified as Bacillus velezensis, as a major microorganism in gochujang. Under halophilic conditions, Oceanobacillus spp. was detected for the first time.
