All About Gochujang
Your complete guide to gochujang - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Gochujang Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for gochujang 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.
unopened pantryUp to 2 years past the 'best-by' or 'expiration' date, often indefinitely if stored properly.
Signs of Spoilage
Extremely rare for unopened gochujang. Possible signs include a severely bulging container (indicating excessive gas production from spoilage, though uncommon with modern packaging) or visible mold if the seal was compromised.
How to Check
Visually inspect the packaging for any damage, leaks, or unusual bulging. The product inside should remain uniform in color and texture.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Gochujang, being a fermented product, often improves in flavor with age, similar to miso or soy sauce, even past its printed date, as long as the seal remains intact.
opened fridge6-12 months, potentially longer if handled properly.
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (white, green, black spots) on the surface or sides. An 'off' odor that is sour, yeasty, alcoholic, or putrid, instead of its characteristic spicy, sweet, savory aroma. Significant and unusual discoloration (beyond normal darkening). Excessive bubbling or foaming indicates unwanted microbial activity.
How to Check
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Visual Inspection: Look carefully for any mold growth, unusual color changes, or excessive liquid pooling that wasn't present before.
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Smell Test: Take a small sniff. It should smell distinctly spicy, savory, and slightly sweet. If it smells sour, alcoholic, or otherwise unpleasant, it's likely spoiled.
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Texture Check: While some liquid separation is normal (just stir it back in), if the paste has become excessively watery, gummy, or unusually hard, it might be past its prime.
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Taste Test (Cautiously): If visual and smell tests pass, taste a tiny amount. If it tastes overly sour, bitter, or otherwise 'off', discard it.
Storage Tips
Always use clean utensils to scoop out gochujang to prevent introducing contaminants. Keep the lid tightly sealed to minimize air exposure. While some slight darkening and liquid separation are normal over time (just stir it back in), any sign of mold means the product should be discarded for safety. 'When in doubt, throw it out' is always the safest approach.
freezer1-2 years.
Signs of Spoilage
Unlikely to spoil in the freezer. Quality degradation (e.g., texture changes, freezer burn) is more common than spoilage.
How to Check
After thawing, check for any signs of freezer burn (dry, discolored spots). Visually inspect for mold or off-odors once thawed, though these are highly improbable if frozen properly. The primary concern will be texture and flavor quality.
Storage Tips
While not a common method for gochujang, freezing is effective for very long-term storage. Portion the gochujang into smaller, airtight, freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for easier thawing and use. Thaw gochujang in the refrigerator. The texture may become slightly softer or more watery upon thawing due to ice crystal formation, but the flavor should remain largely intact.