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Doenjang is less common on general supermarket shelves than miso, so a Korean or wider Asian grocer is often the more reliable trip.
Which aisle is doenjang in?
Where stocked, doenjang is in the world food aisle of UK supermarkets, in the Korean section if there is one, otherwise grouped with other fermented pastes near the miso. Coverage is patchy outside larger branches.
Where to look, supermarket by supermarket
- World food aisle, Korean or fermented pastes section. Near miso and gochujang if the store carries a Korean range.
- Not stocked at all. Many mainstream branches simply do not carry it, unlike miso or soy sauce.
If your local branch has no Korean section, a Korean grocer or an online order is the more reliable route.
Where doenjang is in Tesco
Larger Tesco stores with a wider world food range sometimes stock doenjang alongside gochujang and kimchi. Many branches do not carry it, so check the app first.
How to find the exact aisle in your store
Search the product on the supermarket app before travelling, since this ingredient is more hit and miss than most.
Doenjang vs miso
| Paste | Origin | Flavour |
|---|---|---|
| Doenjang | Korean, fermented soybean | Stronger, funkier, saltier |
| Miso | Japanese, fermented soybean | Milder, sweeter, more rounded |
What to ask a member of staff
Say doenjang and Korean fermented soybean paste. Staff may not recognise the name alone, so the description helps.
Asian supermarkets
A Korean grocer is by far the most reliable source, usually with several brands and tub sizes to choose from.
Buying doenjang online
Given the patchy in store stock, buying online from a Korean or Asian grocer is often the simplest option.
Storing it
Keep the tub in the fridge once opened. It is heavily fermented and salted, so it keeps for a long time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use miso instead of doenjang?
In a pinch, yes, though the flavour is milder and sweeter than doenjang, so the dish will taste noticeably different, especially in a Korean stew.
Is doenjang the same as gochujang?
No. Doenjang is a savoury soybean paste, while gochujang is a sweet, fermented chilli paste. They are both Korean staples but taste very different.
Does doenjang need refrigerating?
Once opened, yes, the same as miso. Some tubs are shelf stable before opening.
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- Doenjang. A tub for stews and marinades.
