Is e636 vegan?

Ingredient: Gochujang Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste, made from red chili powder, glutinous rice powder, fermented soybean paste, and salt. It has a sweet, spicy, and savory taste that is unique to Korean cuisine, and it is commonly used as a condiment, marinade, and seasoning. The deep red color and distinct flavor of gochujang come from the combination of its primary ingredients, which are aged and fermented for several months. The chili powder used in gochujang is made from Korean red peppers, which have a milder flavor than other types of chili peppers. This makes gochujang less spicy than some other chili-based products, but still flavorful with a slight heat. Gochujang is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly used as a base for sauces, such as the popular Korean condiment ssamjang, which is made by mixing gochujang with doenjang (fermented soybean paste), garlic, and other ingredients. The sweet and spicy flavor of gochujang also makes it a popular marinade for grilled meats and vegetables, such as bulgogi (Korean barbecue beef). In addition to its culinary uses, gochujang is also believed to have health benefits. Some studies have linked the consumption of gochujang to a lower risk of certain types of cancer due to its high antioxidant content. It is also thought to boost metabolism and improve digestive health. When purchasing gochujang, it is important to look for high-quality products made from natural ingredients. Some less expensive versions may contain added sugars or artificial flavors, which can alter the taste and nutritional content of the product. Overall, gochujang is a delicious and nutritious ingredient that adds flavor and complexity to a wide range of dishes. It is a staple of Korean cuisine and can be found in many Korean supermarkets as well as specialty stores and online retailers. Gochujang has gained popularity outside of Korea in recent years and can now be found in many culinary cultures around the world. It has been used in fusion dishes such as gochujang burgers, gochujang mayo, and even gochujang mac and cheese. The sweet and spicy flavors of gochujang pair well with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile and innovative ingredient for modern culinary creations. One of the most recognizable characteristics of gochujang is its distinct aroma. Some describe it as pungent and sharp, with a slightly sour undertone due to the fermentation process. The fermentation of the ingredients in gochujang also gives it a unique umami flavor, which adds depth and complexity to dishes. Gochujang is typically sold in jars or tubs and can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. When using gochujang in recipes, it is important to note that a little goes a long way, as its flavor can be quite strong and overpowering if too much is used. For vegetarians and vegans, gochujang is a great ingredient to add to meatless dishes to add a meaty flavor and an umami boost. It can be used to make spicy vegan kimchi, gochujang tofu bowls, and gochujang-spiced vegetable stir fry dishes. Gochujang is also a great addition to vegan dips and spreads, such as hummus, to add a bold and spicy kick. The possibilities with gochujang are endless. It can be used to dress up plain roasted vegetables or add a pop of flavor to rice dishes. It pairs well with meat, seafood, starches, and vegetables, making it a versatile pantry staple. Some possible recipe ideas using gochujang include Korean-style fried chicken wings seasoned with gochujang and honey, gochujang-glazed salmon, and gochujang-rubbed pork tenderloin. Gochujang also works well in soups, stews, and curries, adding a kick of spice and depth of flavor to the dish. In addition to cooking with gochujang, it can also be used as a condiment to add flavor to dishes at the table. It can be mixed with vinegar or soy sauce to create a dipping sauce for dumplings or used as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. The popularity of gochujang has led to an increase in demand for Korean cuisine and ingredients. Along with kimchi and bulgogi, gochujang is now a recognizable ingredient beyond Korean borders. Its unique flavor, versatility, and nutritional benefits make gochujang a great addition to any pantry and perfect for adding a spicy kick to any recipe. Gochujang has become a trending ingredient in many cooking shows, especially among celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver, who has used it in several recipes on his show. Gochujang has also made its way into the mainstream grocery stores, selling as a ready-to-use sauce, or pre-portioned spice packets, making it convenient to use for anyone who doesn't have a lot of experience cooking with exotic ingredients. If you're a fan of spicy food, you can explore gochujang as a substitute for other hot sauces in recipes that need a kick, like buffalo sauce or harissa. You can also replace sriracha sauce with gochujang to add a savory umami to dishes. Gochujang can be used to add spice to salad dressings, dips, and marinades, to liven up our taste buds. Gochujang's popularity as a healthy ingredient has led to various dishes being marketed as gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb options. Food bloggers have experimented with gochujang, and it has evolved to be more than just a Korean condiment. Some popular gochujang-inspired dishes include Korean-inspired pancakes, gochujang tofu, gochujang stir-fried noodles, and even gochujang donuts. One popular recipe that often shows up for gochujang is Korean Fried Chicken. To make this recipe, chicken wings are coated in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, then fried until crispy, creating the perfect crunch. A mixture of gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic is then brushed onto the hot wings before serving. It's sweet, sticky and spicy, making it the perfect snack for game-night or movie night. Gochujang is not just limited to Korean cuisine; it can add flavor to any dish. For example, if you're craving Mexican cuisine, you can add gochujang to your guacamole or salsa to add a kick. For an Italian twist, mix gochujang with tomato sauce, and voila! You have a spicy Korean-inspired pasta sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. The versatility of gochujang has led to an increase in demand. People are now curious to try new and exotic flavors, and gochujang is slowly making its way into regular households worldwide. Gochujang is not just a condiment but is fast becoming a mainstream ingredient used in fusion cuisines. In conclusion, gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste that adds bold and spicy flavors to any dish. It has become a trending ingredient used in an array of recipes beyond Korean cuisine. Gochujang's versatility has led to its popularity in fusion dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and stir-fries. With its umami and sweet-and-spicy flavors, gochujang is a perfect pantry staple and can replace other hot sauces to add depth to your meal.