If you haven’t heard of gochujang yet, your world is about to get a little hotter. Hailed as Sriracha’s favorite new cousin, gochujang is a Korean red chili paste that is taking spicy food lovers by storm. You already love Korean recipes, but you have no idea what you’re in for when you start incorporating this favorite new flavor into your dishes. From hummus to shrimp skewers to tacos, these 21 recipes are sure to add a little something extra to your dinner tonight. Leave your typical Korean BBQ burgers behind and enjoy these brand new twists on some old favorites — thanks to one incredibly spicy condiment!
1. Spicy Miso Zucchini Ramen Noodles: Ramen noodles are perfect for rainy days, and this spicy miso version is no exception. Plus, the zucchini “noodles” make it a much healthier dish than you ever anticipated. (via Hapa Nom Nom)
2. Gochujang Glazed Salmon: The kicked-up glaze on this salmon will have you rethinking this traditionally simple weeknight meal. Make doubles and save some of the gochujang sauce for chicken or shrimp later in the week too. (via Lifestyle Food)
3. Butternut Squash With Sesame and Gochujang: Who says that the main dish has to have all of the hot fun? This butternut squash side dish is roasted to perfection and ready to be served alongside your favorite protein. (via Little Chef Big Appetite)
4. Bacon and Kimchi Fried Rice Frittata: Rice for breakfast?! Why not? Serve up last night’s fried rice leftovers in a deliciously spicy frittata — then add bacon for that extra special morning touch. (via The Kitchn)
5. Spicy Korean Pork Tacos: Korean tacos may have very well started the fusion food trend, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Make your own heated-up version with this pork and gochujang version. (via Supergolden Bakes)
6. Dak Galbi (Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry): Take a traditional Korean dish to new heights with this simple (and simply irresistible!) dish. For meatless lovers, simply substitute tofu for the chicken and you’ll be able to please even the picky eaters. (via My Korean Kitchen)
7. 30 Minute Korean Bibimbap: If every gorgeous dish only took 30 minutes to make, we’d be serving up much more of them. Try this traditional Korean delicacy with your favorite toppings — and that amazing spice, of course. (via The Girl on Bloor)
8. Slow Cooker Korean Pulled Pork Sandwich: A pulled pork sandwich should be on everyone’s BBQ party menu this summer, but you’re sure to impress your guests with this spicy version. Plus, you’ll learn how to make a quick cucumber kimchi for all of your future toppings needs. (via Hapa Nom Nom)
9. Gochujang Hummus: It’s SO easy to make a classic hummus recipe that you’ve surely tried it already. But a super spicy hummus? That’s next on the list! With just a little bit of gochujang paste, you’ll be on your way to snack heaven. (via Food, Pleasure & Health)
10. Crispy Pan Fried Ddeokbokki: These rice cakes (ddeokbokki) are a classic Korean side dish that you might typically see in a traditional restaurant. But if you want to have your own version at home, then look no further than this simple recipe. (via Bear Naked Food)
11. Chipotle Shrimp Tacos: If you never thought that gochujang, your favorite new spice, would work with chipotle, the spice you fell in love with years ago, then you’d be wrong. Just don’t be surprised if your loved ones ask for seconds (and thirds!) when you serve up this dish. (via Nutmeg Nanny)
12. Oven Baked Korean Fried Chicken: Korean fried chicken is a beauty, but you don’t always need to deep fry to get the flavors you’re looking for. Serve these at your next game night or football-watching party and your table will be set for success. (via Girl in the Little Red Kitchen)
13. 30-Minute Stir Fried Korean Beef and Toasted Sesame Noodles: When it only takes 30 minutes to make dinner, you’ve got no excuses. Try to find Korean sweet potato noodles, which work wonders with this dish, at your local Asian supermarket. (via Half Baked Harvest)
14. Miso Kimchi Deviled Eggs: Whether you’re planning on hosting your BFF’s bridal shower, sister’s birthday or any other soiree this summer, don’t forget to bring the appetizers! These deviled eggs make life a little more special with the combination of miso and kimchi flavors. (via I Want to Eat Oysters)
15. Spicy Korean-Style Gochujang Meatballs: Why are meatballs so delicious? Let us count the ways! It’s no wonder that this dish won a spicy recipe contest — your recreation of it is sure to do the same. (via Foxes Love Lemons)
16. Spicy Korean Chicken: The spicy marinade in this chicken dish is what makes it so wonderful. If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, try making it with chicken breasts or turkey legs instead. (via Rasa Malaysia)
17. Korean Style Tacos With Kogi BBQ Sauce: A perfect blending of West Coast meeting the Midwest, the Korean flavors in this very special BBQ sauce give these tacos an extra special twist. If you’re not lucky enough to find yourself in LA and are unable to visit the famed food truck, just make this version at home instead. (via Steamy Kitchen)
18. Drunken Noodles With Tofu and Peppers: If you’re a fan of vegan food or simply have to accommodate a friend or two with pickier eating habits, then try this spicy noodle recipe. Plus, who needs takeout when you can do this one all by yourself? (via Eats Well With Others)
19. Korean Fried Chicken Tenders: For your little picky eaters (yes, that could mean kids or your bae), serve them the chicken tenders that dreams are made of. Just don’t forget to warn them that the sauce is SPICY before they dunk a whole piece in! (via The Woks of Life)
20. Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers: If you’re bored of the same old shrimp skewers that you see at every BBQ party, it only takes one very special ingredient to give this dish a makeover. The gochujang gives new life to a classic dish that will pair perfectly with grilled veggies on the side. (via What2Cook)
21. Korean BBQ Chicken Burgers With Grilled Pineapple and Gochujang BBQ Sauce: You may have never grilled a pineapple and you may have never even tried chicken burgers, but all of that is about to change. Thanks to this gochujang BBQ sauce, you’ll be enjoying a VERY special Korean-style bun-and-meat dish in no time. (via Closet Cooking)
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Irina Gonzalez
Irina is a Freelance Editor at Brit + Co, focusing on travel, health, and parenting. She's also a Latinx writer and editor, focusing primarily on food, healthy living, relationships, travel, and cultural identity. When she's not writing her memoir about growing up Cuban and Russian, she's probably reading an audiobook or cuddling with the loves of her life: her partner Adam and their attention-loving kitties and pup. You can find more of her work on IrinaGonzalez.com.
