Level 2

고추장

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What is 고추장?

고추장 is a traditional Korean red chili paste made from chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It is a staple condiment in Korean cuisine, known for its spicy, sweet, and savory flavor.

Usage in Korean Cooking

It is commonly used as a seasoning or dipping sauce in dishes like bibimbap, tteokbokki, and various stews. Adding 고추장 can enhance the flavor by giving a spicy kick and depth.

Common Collocations

  • 고추장 양념 (gochujang seasoning): used to describe dishes flavored with gochujang.
  • 고추장 불고기 (gochujang bulgogi): bulgogi marinated with gochujang for a spicy taste.
  • 고추장 소스 (gochujang sauce): a sauce made primarily from gochujang.

Politeness and Register

고추장 is a neutral noun used in everyday conversation and cooking contexts. It is not formal or informal but simply the name of the ingredient.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 고추장 with 고춧가루 (chili powder). 고추장 is a paste, while 고춧가루 is powdered chili. Use 고추장 when referring to the thick red paste.

Example Sentences

비빔밥에 고추장을 넣으면 더 맛있어요.

Bibimbap-e gochujang-eul neoh-eumyeon deo masisseoyo.

If you add gochujang to bibimbap, it tastes better.

고추장은 매운 맛을 내는 데 사용돼요.

Gochujang-eun maeun mas-eul naeneun de sayongdwaeyo.

Gochujang is used to add spicy flavor.

고추장 양념으로 닭갈비를 만들었어요.

Gochujang yangnyeom-euro dakgalbi-reul mandeureosseoyo.

I made dakgalbi with gochujang seasoning.