Flavorful Homemade Tomato Gochujang (Tochujang) – A Healthy Twist!
Deliciously Healthy: Easy Homemade ‘Tomato Gochujang’ Recipe (Tochujang)
Discover the secret to a vibrant and flavorful homemade ‘Tomato Gochujang’ (also known as Tochujang)! This recipe uses ripe tomatoes to create a delicious paste that’s not only bursting with umami but also a healthier, lower-sodium option. Perfect for supporting cardiovascular health and adding a unique zest to your meals.
Main Ingredients- 8 ripe, fully-matured tomatoes
- 4 heaping tablespoons of store-bought gochujang
Additional Seasoning- A pinch of ginger powder (optional)
- A touch of honey (powdered or regular honey is fine, optional)
- A pinch of ginger powder (optional)
- A touch of honey (powdered or regular honey is fine, optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the tomatoes under running water. Remove the stems and score the bottom of each tomato with a cross (+) cut. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the skin starts to loosen around the scored marks.
Step 2
Carefully transfer the blanched tomatoes from the boiling water to an ice bath (or cold water). This rapid cooling helps to stop the cooking process and makes peeling much easier.
Step 3
Once cooled enough to handle, gently peel the skin off the tomatoes. Starting from the scored lines will make this process smoother.
Step 4
Finely chop the peeled tomatoes into small pieces, about 1-2 cm in size. You can remove the seeds if you prefer, or keep them in for extra texture.
Step 5
Place the chopped tomatoes in a pot over low heat. Mash the tomatoes with a spoon or spatula as they cook to help them break down. Simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened considerably and most of the liquid has evaporated, resulting in a thick consistency.
Step 6
When the tomato mixture is thick and jam-like, add 4 heaping tablespoons of gochujang. You can adjust the amount of gochujang based on its saltiness and your preference.
Step 7
For a touch of sweetness, add a small amount of honey (either powdered or regular). If you’d like an extra flavor dimension, add a tiny pinch of ginger powder for warmth and aroma. These are optional ingredients, so feel free to omit them if desired.
Step 8
Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the gochujang, honey, and ginger powder with the tomato base. Continue to cook over low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld. This step deepens the overall taste.
Step 9
Allow the tomato gochujang to cool completely. Transfer it to a clean, dry, and sterilized glass jar or an airtight container for storage. Keep it refrigerated and ensure the lid is tightly sealed after each use to maintain freshness.
