Gochugaru is a dried, ground red chili powder - the coarse grind is less a powder and more flaky.

I will admit that when you are looking at a few tablespoons of gochuragu in front of you it is tempting to freak out and draw a flavor heat association to cayenne.  Gochuragu is a much more subtle heat with a smoky, earthen richness.

As with many ingredients that you probably won’t find at your local grocery store it’s worth seeking out a local asian market preferably a Korean market.  If you find a local source of kimchi Gochuragu is close by - it’s the principal seasoning - the vibrant red flakes that permeate kimchi.

If you can’t find gochuragu locally then either source it from hmart or as always Amazon

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