UMAI Korean Gochujang Chili Paste is a traditional Korean fermented condiment known for its deep, rich flavor and balanced heat. Gochujang is made primarily from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt, creating a thick, sticky paste with a unique combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. UMAI is a brand that offers this iconic ingredient in a convenient, ready-to-use form.

Key Features:

1. Ingredients:
   • Chili Pepper: The core ingredient that gives gochujang its heat.
   • Glutinous Rice: Adds a natural sweetness and thick texture to the paste.
   • Fermented Soybeans: Provides a savory umami flavor, which deepens the overall taste.
   • Salt: Helps preserve the paste and balances the sweetness and spice.
   • Sweeteners (often in the form of rice syrup or sugar): Add a mild sweetness to offset the spiciness.
2. Flavor Profile:
   • Spicy: The heat from the chili peppers is noticeable but balanced.
   • Sweet: Glutinous rice and sweeteners soften the spice, adding a subtle sweetness.
   • Umami: The fermentation of soybeans gives the paste a savory depth, enhancing the complexity of the flavor.
3. Texture:
   • Thick and Sticky: Gochujang has a dense, paste-like consistency, making it perfect for blending into sauces or as a marinade base.

Uses:

• Bibimbap: A classic Korean dish where gochujang is mixed with rice, vegetables, and meats.
• Marinades: Ideal for marinating meats like chicken, pork, or beef, imparting a sweet, spicy, and savory flavor.
• Stir-Fries: Adds depth and spice to stir-fried vegetables, noodles, or meats.
• Dipping Sauce: Often mixed with vinegar, soy sauce, or sesame oil to create a dipping sauce for dumplings, tempura, or grilled meats.
• Stews and Soups: Gochujang can be stirred into broths to add spice and umami to dishes like Kimchi Jjigae (spicy kimchi stew) or Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

Health Benefits:

Due to its fermented nature, gochujang contains probiotics, which can aid in digestion. Additionally, it is often lower in fat and contains vitamins from the chili peppers.

UMAI Korean Gochujang Chili Paste is an essential ingredient in Korean cooking and a versatile condiment that can elevate a wide variety of dishes with its signature blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.