Gochugaru is Korean red chilli flakes, made from sun dried chillies. It gives kimchi and many other Korean dishes their colour and a fruity, moderate heat.
Where to find it
Most UK supermarkets do not stock it, even large branches. Korean grocers and Asian supermarkets are the most reliable places to find it, and online Korean food shops ship it well.
Coarse or fine
Coarse flakes are used for kimchi and for sprinkling over food. Fine powder dissolves into soups and sauces more easily. Check the bag to see which one you are buying, since both are sold.
What to check on the bag
Look for a bright red colour, which shows the chillies were dried well. Dull or brown flakes have lost flavour. Check the bag for a best before date.
How to use it
Sprinkle it over rice, eggs or noodles for colour and warmth. Stir it into a marinade for Korean style chicken, or add it to a simple chilli oil.
Storage
Keep the bag sealed in a cool, dark cupboard. Chilli flakes lose their colour and taste over time, so buy a smaller bag if you do not use it often.
For a Korean fermented dish to use it in, read our guide to kimchi. For a Thai style chilli paste, see our sriracha guide, and for a chilli condiment, read our chilli crisp guide.