Is gochujang spicier than sriracha?

They're in the same range, and both vary by brand. Gochujang's sweetness and thickness make the heat feel slower and rounder; sriracha's vinegar makes it feel sharper.

Can I use sriracha instead of gochujang?

It works for heat but not depth, since you lose the fermented, savory sweetness. A little miso and sugar stirred in gets you closer.

Gochujang vs sriracha: what's the difference?

Gochujang is a thick Korean fermented chili paste that's sweet, savory and slow-burning, while sriracha is a thin, garlicky chili sauce that's tangy and hits right away.

Gochujang

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Some heat

Thick, sweet and savory, with a heat that builds slowly.

What does Gochujang taste like?

Sriracha

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Some heat

Bright, garlicky and sweet-hot, the squeeze-bottle sauce that goes on everything.

The real difference

Gochujang is a paste of chili powder, glutinous rice and fermented soybeans, aged until it turns deep red and savory. You cook with it. Sriracha is a blended sauce of red chilies, garlic, vinegar and sugar that you squeeze on at the end. Gochujang tastes deeper; sriracha tastes brighter.

Side by side

GochujangSriracha

Made fromChili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeansRed chilies, garlic, vinegar, sugar

TextureThick paste, like tomato pastePourable sauce, like ketchup

On a menuBibimbap, tteokbokki, Korean fried chicken glaze, spicy porkPho tables, spicy mayo, sushi rolls, eggs

Which to order

Order gochujang dishes if you like sticky, sweet heat with real savory depth.
Reach for sriracha if you want a quick hit of garlic, vinegar and heat.

Quick questions

Is gochujang spicier than sriracha?: They're in the same range, and both vary by brand. Gochujang's sweetness and thickness make the heat feel slower and rounder; sriracha's vinegar makes it feel sharper.
Can I use sriracha instead of gochujang?: It works for heat but not depth, since you lose the fermented, savory sweetness. A little miso and sugar stirred in gets you closer.