Types of Korean Paste

If you want to start making Korean dishes, there are several types of Korean paste that you should know.

Using these pastes will take your Korean cuisine to the next level, enriching them with delicious flavors. When browsing through the Asian supermarket, perhaps you have seen green, red, and brown tubs of the Korean pastes but don’t know what they are for.

Stock these pastes in your kitchen to help your cooking easier. Here, we will discuss further on the different types of Korean paste.

Gochujang

Gochujang is a type of Korean chilli paste. It is a pepper-based Korean paste. If you like your food with a bit of spice, but not too spicy, then definitely add Gochujang to your dish – it has the right hint of spiciness.

It will enhance your dish with a bit of spiciness – not too mild, not too strong. It also adds a little bit of sweetness, with a salty and peppery character. Use Gochujang on your soups, sauces, stews, marinades and dips.

A lump of this also goes well when mixed with Korea’s national rice, Bibimbap. Before buying a tub, we suggest you to take a small spoon for a taste so you can get familiar with the level of spiciness.

Based on history, Gochujang is not just widely used among Korean citizens but also highly enjoyed by the royal family. It was known to be often consumed by kings during the Chosun dynasty.

Although its main usage is to season food, Gochujang is also celebrated for its nutritional value. This Korean chilli paste is known to ease those who have a weak stomach. Many studies have also discovered that Gochujang is able to prevent diabetes and obesity.

Doenjang

Doenjang is brown in color and is a fermented soybean paste, typically made out of soybean and salt. It is commonly compared to miso in Japanese cuisine which can also be used as a substitute.

The difference is that Doenjang is much bolder, rougher, savory, and rustic in taste. Normally, denjang is used to season meat and vegetables, enhance the flavors in soups, spice up rice and can also be used to mix with other Korean paste.

Furthermore, Doenjang also makes a great dip, a healthier alternative compared to ranch dressing, for your seasoned vegetables.

Established in 1985, Puri Pangan Utama is reputable food supplier in Bali. We provide a range of dry, chilled, and frozen food products, including different types of Korean paste to help with your Korean dish cooking.