Hot Pepper Paste

English Name: Hot Pepper Paste or Red Pepper Paste
Korean Name: 고추장 
Romanized: Gochujang or Kochujang
Storage: Keep in fridge after opening
Classified Under: Sauces, Seasonings & Pastes
Wikipedia Entry

​This paste, which has the consistency of smooth peanut butter, adds a spicy and slightly sweet flavor to many Korean dishes. It's used to flavor soups, stews, sauces, and many more.

This ingredient can be found at a Korean grocery store, sometimes at Chinese or Japanese grocery stores, and rarely at a specialty food store. Make sure to buy ones that come in a red, rectangular plastic tub, rather than a jar. 

I prefer Haechandeul brand (pictured below), at medium spicy. It's the most popular mainstream gochujang brand in Korea. 

Do not buy flavored gochujang sold at American grocery stores (such as ones from Mother In Law's Kimchi or Annie Chun brand) as they are watered down and come with additional flavoring like sugar, sesame seeds, and vinegar. 
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Front of Haechandle Hot Pepper Paste (Medium Hot)

Back of Haechandle Hot Pepper Paste

Various Brands of Hot Pepper Paste

Hot Pepper Paste Consistency (like smooth peanut butter)