All About Gochujang paste
Your complete guide to gochujang paste - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Gochujang paste Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for gochujang paste in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
opened fridge6-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Mold growth (white, green, or black fuzzy spots, especially on the surface), significant discoloration (darkening or unusual color changes beyond its normal deep red), off-smell (sour, yeasty, alcoholic, or putrid notes that are not part of its characteristic savory-spicy aroma), excessive liquid separation or unusual hardening/drying of the paste.
How to Check
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Visual Inspection: Look for any visible mold on the surface or sides. Check for any extreme color changes or excessive separation of liquids.
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Smell Test: Open the container and take a deep sniff. It should have a pungent, sweet, savory, and spicy fermented aroma. If it smells distinctly sour, alcoholic, like stale yeast, or any other unpleasant odor, it's likely spoiled.
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Texture Check (if visual/smell are fine): Gochujang is a thick, sticky paste. If it has become excessively watery, gritty, or dried out and hard, its quality is severely compromised.
Storage Tips
Always use a clean spoon or utensil to scoop out the paste to prevent introducing contaminants. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed after each use to minimize air exposure. While gochujang is fermented and quite resilient, refrigeration is crucial once opened to slow down spoilage and maintain its quality and safety.
unopened pantry1-2 years (or until best-by date)
Signs of Spoilage
Extremely rare for unopened gochujang if stored correctly. Look for a bulging container (indicating extreme and unusual fermentation) or signs of damage to the packaging.
How to Check
Primarily rely on the 'best by' or 'expiration' date printed on the packaging. Visually inspect the container for any damage or unusual swelling. No smell or taste test is possible or necessary for an unopened product.
Storage Tips
Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain quality and prevent premature degradation. A pantry, cupboard, or basement is ideal.
freezer1-2 years
Signs of Spoilage
Mainly quality degradation rather than spoilage: freezer burn (dry, discolored spots if not properly sealed) or significant changes in texture upon thawing (may become slightly grainier or experience more separation). True spoilage signs like mold would occur after thawing if not handled properly.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn before thawing. After thawing, check for the same spoilage signs as 'opened fridge' (mold, off-smell, extreme texture changes).
Storage Tips
Portion gochujang into smaller, freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays before freezing for easier thawing and use. Thaw in the refrigerator. Some liquid separation or slight texture change is normal after thawing; stir well to reincorporate. Once thawed, treat it like 'opened fridge' gochujang and use within a few months.