Add them to any dish that could use some moderate heat. You can use the two names interchangeable as both terms mean “a chile pepper that has been crushed until it flakes.” However, you cannot use all types of chile flakes and red pepper flakes interchangeably. Instead of substituting Gochugaru with a different spice, you may want to try going with Gochujang, which is a Korean chili paste with a strong miso flavor. These are already used in Korean cuisine so it won’t completely change the flavor of the recipe that you are trying to make. There are few food terms that cause more confusion than red pepper flakes and crushed red pepper. The flavor of this spice is hot and sweet with a touch of smokiness -- but what should be used when you can’t find it in your local Asian market? Red pepper flakes are a workable but not ideal substitute for gochugaru, especially when it comes to applications like kimchi. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. Like grapes grown for wine, hot peppers are incredibly complex. Should you have both of these products in your spice cabinet or do you need just one? Do they use different chilies in the mix? Use gochugaru as a substitute for red pepper flakes if what you need is a mild heat. Like Gochugaru, this spice may be difficult to source but can give you a much closer flavor than crushed red pepper or chipotle. A downside to paprika is that it can be expensive. Gochugaru is a coarsely ground red pepper with a texture similar to red pepper flakes, but what makes this spice special is that it has no seeds. If you’re feeling brave, try making your own Kimchi with this ingredient. The only spice close to korean red pepper would be cayenne pepper. You might see red pepper red pepper flakes/crushed red pepper in shakers on the tables of an old-fashioned pizzeria. Enjoy 500+ spicy recipes, 125+ pepper profiles, and hundreds of related articles. This chili hails from Mexico and is in the Scoville range of 1000 - 3999, which puts it closer to the Korean spice than any of the other substitutes. It is an excellent alternative if the spice level of red pepper flakes is too much for you. Gochugaru flakes are Korean red chili peppers that are dried in the sun. You will also see it included in recipes for dipping sauces. You will never go back to store bought again! The big difference will be the appearance since gochugaru does not have seeds. Cayenne pepper is known for having minimal flavor aside from its heat. If you use the mild you can have more chili and it adds it color and more of the sweet smokey taste. Red pepper flakes are the same product that is sometimes known as crushed red pepper. Gochugaru offers a sweet smokiness that you will not get from red pepper flakes. It is also convenient as most supermarkets carry this. Red pepper flakes have a broader range of applications besides being used to spice up pizza at the table. Soups, stews, and sauces may work well when used with Gochujang. Gringo Bandito Classic Variety Pack. Beyond the heat, there is the matter of flavor. I tried other chili but they either to hot or not rich enough taste. This chili is used in many dishes in Mexican cuisine as its flavor doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients in the recipe. Korean dishes that require gochugaru tend to have the pepper’s sweet and smoky properties as fundamental aspects of their flavor profiles. Note that gochugaru is usually not as fine a powder as paprika or cayenne powder but is most commonly ground to flake size. Look for coarse flakes, which resemble flaky sea salt, and are the go-to style in Korean kitchens (finer gochugaru is often used for making gochujang.) Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated. One of the most easily found ingredients is Cayenne pepper whether it is flakes or its ground form. Red pepper flakes usually contain seeds and will have a speckled red and white look as a result. One significant difference is that you will find seeds here and there. Subscribe to our Wicked Wednesday newsletter and get our field guide ebook free and 15% off at our Spicery always! Korean Chile Flakes are not the same thing as the red pepper flakes you would find on your local pizza parlor’s tables. Its spice level may vary from brand to brand, but if you have a staple in your house, you will know the level of spice it can put into a dish. This is a great substitute as the heat level is comparable to Gochugaru, although it will be significantly smokier than the Korean spice. Note that gochugaru is usually not as fine a powder as paprika or cayenne powder but is most commonly ground to flake size. Compare their differences and similarities in our PepperScale Showdown: Gochugaru vs. red pepper flakes. Use gochugaru in your homemade kimchi or in Korean recipes that depend on its specific qualities. Gochugaru is a form of dried chili that you will often see in Korean cuisine. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Gochugaru does not have any seeds. Gochugaru is a vibrant, smoky, and spicy ingredient which is a staple in Korean cuisine. This spice is used in almost every dish, from making Kimchi and banchan (side dishes) to delicious stews and sauces. Some sources have gochugaru listed at a mere 5,000 to 8,000 Scoville heat units and crushed red pepper at between 35,000 and 50,000 SHUs.