Gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste that adds a rich, savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor to dishes. It is made from chili peppers, sticky rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. The fermentation process gives gochujang its depth of flavor.
Gochujang has been a staple in Korean cooking for centuries. Its complex flavor profile enhances many dishes like stews, stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces. A little bit of gochujang goes a long way in adding big flavor.
When purchasing gochujang, look for it in the international aisle of well-stocked grocery stores or at an Asian specialty market. Opt for naturally fermented options without artificial ingredients. Gochujang will keep for several months refrigerated after opening.
Gochujang Potato Recipes
Gochujang pairs deliciously with potatoes to create a sweet, savory, and spicy flavor combo. The starchiness of the potatoes balances the chili paste's punch. Gochujang-infused potatoes make tasty appetizers, sides, or even a meatless main dish.
There are endless ways to make gochujang potatoes. They can be roasted, pan-fried, boiled, mashed, or baked. Feel free to experiment with additions like garlic, scallions, sesame, soy sauce, brown sugar, miso, and more.
Here are some mouthwatering gochujang potato recipes to try:
1. Gochujang Roasted Potatoes
These gochujang roasted potatoes deliver tender potato flavor with the perfect amount of sweetness and spicy. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work well, cutting them into 1-inch cubes.
Gochujang Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 lb potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1/2 lime
Instructions
- Toss potatoes in gochujang mixture of ingredients.
- Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
- Garnish with scallions and lime juice.
2. Gochujang Smashed Potatoes
For an easy appetizer or side, smash boiled potatoes and coat them with a gochujang spiced mayo.
Gochujang Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil and smash potatoes. Toss with oil and seasonings.
- Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes until crispy.
- Mix mayo sauce ingredients.
- Top potatoes with sauce and garnishes.
3. Gochujang Potato Salad
Give your potato salad a makeover by adding gochujang and Asian flavors.
Gochujang Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb potatoes, cubed
- 3 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until just tender.
- Toss warm potatoes in dressing ingredients.
- Let cool completely before mixing in vegetables.
4. Gochujang Baked Potatoes
Transform basic baked potatoes into a meal by topping them with spicy, savory pork and gochujang.
Gochujang Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 large baked potatoes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Microwave or bake potatoes until tender.
- Cook ground pork in oil. Stir in gochujang, soy sauce and garlic.
- Slice potatoes open and top pork mixture, tomato, cilantro and chives.
- Add mozzarella cheese and bake until melted.
- Top with sour cream.
5. Gochujang Potato Soup
Creamy potato soup seasoned with gochujang.
Gochujang Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 3 tbsp gochujang
- Salt and pepper
- Bacon bits
- Scallions
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Simmer potatoes, onion and garlic in broth until tender.
- Purée soup. Stir in milk or cream.
- Season with gochujang, salt and pepper.
- Top bowls with bacon bits, scallions and sour cream.
6. Gochujang Cheesy Potatoes
Baked potatoes become extra decadent loaded with cheese and spicy gochujang.
Gochujang Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 baked potatoes
- 3 tbsp gochujang
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Bake potatoes until done. Slice open.
- Mix gochujang, yogurt, scallions, lime juice and salt.
- Spoon mixture into potatoes and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake until cheese is melted.
7. Gochujang Grilled Potato Skewers
Potatoes shine on kebabs coated in a sweet and spicy gochujang marinade.
Gochujang Grilled Potato Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 lb potatoes, cubed
- 3 tbsp gochujang
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions
- Whisk together marinade ingredients.
- Toss potatoes in marinade. Thread onto skewers.
- Grill for 15-20 minutes, brushing with marinade, until charred and cooked through.
8. Crispy Gochujang Potato Wedges
These crispy potato wedges seasoned with gochujang make an addictive snack or side.
Crispy Gochujang Potato Wedges
Ingredients
- 3 lbs potatoes, cut into wedges
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup gochujang
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Toss potato wedges in oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 425°F for 25 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together sauce ingredients.
- Brush sauce onto roasted potatoes and bake 10 more minutes.
9. Gochujang Mashed Potatoes
Give mashed potatoes a flavor upgrade by blending in gochujang and aromatics.
Gochujang Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 3 tbsp gochujang
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter and milk/cream.
- Mix in gochujang, garlic, scallions, salt and pepper.
- Garnish with extra scallions.
10. Twice Baked Gochujang Potatoes
For a fun spin on twice-baked potatoes, add gochujang to the filling.
Twice Baked Gochujang Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 large baked potatoes
- 1/4 cup gochujang
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Bake potatoes and scoop out flesh into bowl.
- Mix potato flesh with remaining ingredients except sour cream.
- Spoon filling mixture back into skins and re-bake until hot.
- Top with sour cream.
11. Gochujang Fries
Gochujang makes homemade fries extra finger-licking good. The chili paste mixture doubles as a dipping sauce.
Gochujang Fries
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup gochujang
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
Instructions
- Toss fries in oil and bake at 425°F until crispy.
- In bowl, mix sauce ingredients.
- Brush sauce over baked fries. Serve extra sauce for dipping.
12. Gochujang Potato Pancakes
These savory gochujang potato pancakes make a great appetizer or light meal.
Gochujang Potato Pancakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated potatoes
- 1/2 cup grated onion
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Sour cream
- Chopped scallions
Instructions
- Drain excess liquid from grated potatoes and onion.
- Mix with remaining ingredients except sour cream and scallions.
- Fry spoonfuls of batter into pancakes until golden brown.
- Top pancakes with sour cream and scallions.
Tips for Making Gochujang Potatoes
When making gochujang potatoes, keep these tips in mind:
- Starchier potatoes like russets and Yukon golds work best. New potatoes or fingerlings are also delicious.
- Use just enough gochujang to reach the desired spice level. Start with 1-2 tbsp and add more to taste.
- Cut potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Parboil potatoes before roasting or grilling for a tender, fluffy texture.
- Toss potatoes in oil or broth after coating them in a gochujang mixture to distribute the flavor.
- Roast potatoes in a single layer on a sheet pan so they get ultra crispy.
- Finish potatoes with lime juice, scallions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for fresh flavor.
FAQ
What types of flavors does gochujang have?
Gochujang contains a complex blend of sweet, savory, salty, and spicy flavors. The fermentation process gives it an umami richness. Common tasting notes include sticky, sweet heat along with earthiness from the fermented soybeans. The flavor profile is truly unique.
What proteins pair well with gochujang potatoes?
Gochujang potatoes pair excellently with all kinds of proteins. They make a great side for beef, pork, chicken, seafood, or tofu. Try gochujang potatoes alongside bulgogi, bibimbap, fried chicken, shrimp skewers, or vegetarian stir-fries. The possibilities are endless!
Can you use gochujang powder instead of paste?
While gochujang powder is available, the paste form is really best for maximum flavor impact. The paste contains chili peppers, fermented soybeans, rice, and salt all together. Powder will likely need to be reconstituted with a liquid to form a paste consistency. For convenience and authentic taste, opt for prepared gochujang paste.
How long does homemade gochujang last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade gochujang can be kept for 2-3 months refrigerated. The flavors continue to develop and meld during this storage time. Commercial gochujang usually has preservatives so may last 4-6 months or longer refrigerated after opening.
Conclusion
Gochujang truly takes potatoes from boring to extraordinary. This sweet and spicy Korean chili paste infuses potatoes with incredibly rich, complex flavor.
From roasted and mashed to baked and fried, gochujang punches up potatoes in delicious ways.
With so many tasty gochujang potato recipes to try, you'll never see potatoes the same way again.
Experiment with adding gochujang to your favorite potato dishes to experience its magical flavor-boosting powers.