chung jung one O'Food Gochujang Korean Red Chili Pepper Paste, Medium Hot Sauce, Spicy, Sweet and Savory Korean Traditional Fermented Condiment, Brown Rice, No Corn Syrup, 2.2lb

A massive tub of fermented joy found a permanent home in the refrigerator of a person who has clearly abandoned all hope of a bland diet. The quality of this O'Food Gochujang is apparent from the first smell, releasing a complex aroma of sun-dried chilis and savory soybeans. It has a rich, velvety texture that spreads like a dream on chicken wings or ribs before they meet the scorching heat of the grill. This paste feels like a professional-grade ingredient that has been generously sized for the overly ambitious amateur who thinks they are a master of Asian fusion. This specific sauce is a unique health-conscious warrior, proudly proclaiming its gluten-free status while keeping the flavor profile remarkably traditional. The absence of corn syrup means the sweetness comes from the fermentation of rice, providing a sophisticated depth that cheaper alternatives simply cannot match. The design of the packaging is utilitarian and honest, featuring a wide mouth that allows for easy access with even the largest of ladles. It is a dense, heavy product that feels like it could survive a trip to Mars and still be ready to flavor a stew upon arrival. Integrating this red paste into a meal is a straightforward affair, assuming one knows that a little goes a remarkably long way. It acts as a savory anchor for stews and soups, providing a thick body and a rich color that makes any dish look twice as appetizing. The unique "spicy-sweet-savory" trifecta is perfectly balanced, ensuring that no single note overpowers the others in the symphony of the stir-fry. It is a versatile tool in the kitchen, equally at home in a complex BBQ rub or a simple dipping sauce for crunchy vegetables. However, the lid can be a bit of a trickster, occasionally refusing to snap shut properly if a tiny bit of paste dries on the rim of the container. The labeling is mostly clear, though some of the finer details might require a magnifying glass for those interested in the minutiae of fermented bean history. Also, the weight of the tub makes it a bit of a workout to move from the back of the shelf to the counter if one is feeling particularly lazy. It is a truthful and concise representation of a classic staple, providing high-quality flavor with only a few minor logistical headaches. :D Excellent Things Rich, authentic fermentation provides a deep "umami" flavor that enhances almost any savory dish. 👍 The absence of wheat-based thickeners makes it a cleaner, more traditional choice for the pantry. 👍 Wide-mouth tub design allows you to get every last bit of paste without a specialized scraper. 👍 Versatile enough to be used as a marinade, a base for soup, or a direct table condiment. Unworthy Things The lid seal can become compromised if you aren't meticulous about cleaning the edges after use. 👎 A one-kilogram tub is not enough! 👎 The bright red color will permanently stain any plastic container it touches for more than five minutes. 👎 Information on the back of the tub is printed in a font size seemingly meant for ants.

It came quite quickly! Dollop some on your cheap ramen with some basil and MSG.

Excellent!

I bought 50+ O'Food Gochujang orders in retail stores and Amazon website. I use it as dipping sauce for cucumber, apple, celery, rice sticks, and use it on eggs, vegetables stir fry, and instead of wasabi, and noodles, and kimchi making, etc. I sometimes spread Gochujang on a sandwich bread with deli meat and vegetables instead of mayonnaise.

Let me tell you, this tub of gochujang is a game-changer! If you love a complex, spicy kick, this stuff is incredible. It's smoky, funky, and sooooo spicy, but with a hint of sweetness that keeps it interesting. I've been adding it to everything – stews, stir-fries, even dolloped onto scrambled eggs. Each time it adds this amazing depth of flavor that makes my tastebuds do a happy dance. If you want to up your rice game, add a little to it. I use it to make a basic sauce with soy sauce, worchestershire sauce and a small amount of gochujang. Green onions on top and/or toasted sesame seeds - mmmmm. A little goes a long way – seriously, this container is a good size because you don't need a ton to add a punch. I start out with 2-3 tablespoons (spicier level) for around 2-3 cups of rice. If you don't like things really spicy stick to 1-2 or less. If you're looking for a gochujang that's more than just a generic red paste, this is the one. This is the first time I had tried gochujang and I'm glad this is the one that I picked, because others that I've tried after just didn't compare.