This brick red, Korean condiment is made from peppers, glutinous (sticky) rice, fermented soy beans, aromatics (garlic, onions, sesame), sweeteners (syrups or sugar), and salt. It is a product of fermentation (like sauerkraut and kimchi), so it’s got that quintessential funky flavor note. Depending on the kind of peppers that the paste is made of and the amount that’s used will determine how spicy the gochujang is — if you prefer a less spice, you can opt for a mild gochujang. Because of the fermentation, the paste has a subtle sweetness, which is a nice counterbalance to the spiciness and salty, umami flavor.

KS FOODS Red Chilli Paste.