There are many recipes for kimchi – the spicy Korean vegetable side dish. But one thing that’s common through them all: the need for a spicy chili pepper paste. This simple homemade kimchi paste is a terrific catch-all across kimchi recipes, but it can do more than that. Use it, too, as a way to spice up soups and stews. It has a delicious spicy-sweet flavor that works in many tomato-based soups, giving it a little exotic flavor twist.
To get that beautiful rich red color you expect for kimchi, you’ll need Korean red pepper powder (gochujangyong gochugaru). It may be carried in the international section of your local supermarket, but you may need a specialty store. It’s also available online via Amazon (affiliate link) if you need to source it.
Like this recipe? You’ll love these too:
- Homemade Hoisin Sauce: A classic for Peking duck, but don’t overlook it as a barbecue sauce.
- DIY Yum Yum Sauce: The popular steak sauce is very easy to make. Most ingredients you likely already have.
- Homemade Sriracha: Have some fun making your own version of the rooster sauce at home!
Homemade Kimchi Paste
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup gochujangyong gochugaru Korean red pepper powder
- 1/4 cup water + 1 tablespoon extra
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
How long can the paste be stored?
Any suggestions to replace fish sauce for vegetarians?