Gochugaru are Korean red chile flakes that are traditionally used in a wide range of dishes. With a moderate heat level and a bright, fruity flavour, they are one of the most popular ingredients in Korean cooking like kimchi, kimchichigae and koatgetang, but you can use them as a substitute for red chili flakes.

All about Gochugaru (Korean Chile Flakes), Spice

What it’s like, and how to make it

HeatMild
CuisineChinese & east & asian, japanese
Best forSaute pan fry, finishing, quick weeknight, marinades rubs
Goes inStir fry, soups stews, rice grains, noodles
WithBeef, pork, fish seafood, vegetarian, eggs, duck fowl
What’s in itdried Korean chile flakes (1,500-10,000 HU)

How to use it

The soul of Korean cooking. Gochugaru is essential for kimchi, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and Korean stews like kimchi jjigae and sundubu. Two tablespoons of flakes per cup of napa cabbage for kimchi paste. Also stir into bibimbap sauce, sprinkle on Korean fried chicken, or add to stir-fries for fruity heat. The flakes are coarser than powder — they add texture and a slow-building warmth. Surprisingly mild — more fruity than fiery.

Weeknight ideas

  • stir-fry, eggs, pizza
  • Gochugaru (Korean Chile Flakes) spice, shown over a chalk-and-watercolour illustration
  • Illustration: Gochugaru (Korean Chile Flakes) with a Korean courtyard in late autumn at gimjang time
  • Illustration: Tteokbokki, made with Gochugaru (Korean Chile Flakes)
  • Illustration: Yukgaejang, made with Gochugaru (Korean Chile Flakes)
  • Illustration of Gochugaru (Korean Chile Flakes) in The Tea & Spice Shoppe bag and jar, with a Korean courtyard in late autumn at gimjang time
  • Gochugaru (Korean Chile Flakes)
  • Gochugaru (Korean Chile Flakes)
  • Gochugaru (Korean Chile Flakes)

What it goes with

Gochugaru's fruity warmth comes from the same compounds found in our Darjeeling — β-ionone and β-damascenone, created when carotenoids break down during sun-drying. Brew a cup alongside Korean BBQ or bibimbap. For kimchi dishes, our Hojicha shares the roasty pyrazines that develop during fermentation.

Also in these blends

On its own, this is the straight thing. Read about Gochugaru →

Reviews

What the time-travelers say

206 of the shop’s 213 reviews are five stars — left by people who actually bought the tea

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Great products and great service

I had a slight mix up on my order, they were quick to reply and correct my order with no issues. Amazing service and great…

I had a slight mix up on my order, they were quick to reply and correct my order with no issues. Amazing service and great products.

— Nick C. Verified

Great tea

A lovely, delicate tea. The peach is strong without being overwhelming or cloying, and the calendula is a nice addition. Very…

A lovely, delicate tea. The peach is strong without being overwhelming or cloying, and the calendula is a nice addition. Very tasty!

— Zoe R. Verified

Maple Peach

The maple peach is delicious. What a beautiful combination. I will most definitely order it again, and a higher quantity of it.

— Gerda S. Verified

Always handy

I use dillweed often. This dill is fresh and has a nice aroma. I use it in marinades, salad dressings, and on fish. Good stuff.

— Jennifer D. Verified

Great stuff

This has helped my household a lot with circulation and alertness when we had it everyday. Will be ordering again soon. Thanks

— Dave G. Verified

Love this tea. Hands down my fav rooibos. This store is our one-stop-shop for tea and spice. Great service, top notch product.…

Love this tea. Hands down my fav rooibos. This store is our one-stop-shop for tea and spice. Great service, top notch product. 10/10!!

— Erin Poeta P. Verified

Delicious

I love this black tea, it has a really nice smooth flavour and love how it’s Swiss water method decaf. Will be buying again!

— Jessica A. Verified

Great flavorful tea

Toffee Ole is one of our favorite teas to share with friends in the evening, when we want something non-caffeinated but quite…

Toffee Ole is one of our favorite teas to share with friends in the evening, when we want something non-caffeinated but quite flavorful.

— Joel R. Verified

Another full bodied ‘real tea’ . ie It is not a flavoured tea. However, we do very much enjoy the Cafe Latte tea which is a…

Another full bodied ‘real tea’ . ie It is not a flavoured tea. However, we do very much enjoy the Cafe Latte tea which is a flavoured tea!!!

— Ted H. Verified

teas

love , love, love and they shipping is very fast. the headache tea works great, the throat coat tea works great as well

— Miranda A. Verified

4 stars

It worked beautifully; perhaps if I add a little more honey, it would make it better… It is a wellness tea, after all!

— Merrilee B. Verified

Bancha with a splash of lemon

A wonderful Green Tea. Smooth in taste. Also suitable as a summer tea with a splash of lemon. A second infusion makes an…

A wonderful Green Tea. Smooth in taste. Also suitable as a summer tea with a splash of lemon. A second infusion makes an enjoyable second cup!

— Monika F. Verified

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