Gochujang Stew With Scallion Toppings
This Korean-inspired beef stew swaps tomato paste for spicy, fermented gochujang, creating deep umami flavors through slow braising. You'll master browning meat, sweating aromatics in the drippings, and deglazing with red wine. The dish takes about 2.5 hours and serves 4-6 people, finished with a bright marinated scallion topping that cuts through the richness.
Recipe by Mr Saucy aka Christophe
Christophe is a culinary professional with expertise in French and global cuisine. He has developed recipes and cooking techniques that bridge traditional methods with modern home cooking approaches. Christophe focuses on making classic culinary techniques accessible to home cooks through clear instruction and practical applications. He studied at Le Cordon Bleu Paris and has work experience at a two star Michelin restaurant.
Homecook turned pro with a Cordon Bleu Paris graduate
Quick Info
How Does Gochujang Transform a Traditional Beef Stew?
Traditional French braising techniques meet Korean fermentation science in this fusion dish. By browning the meat first, you create a foundation of savory compounds (Maillard reaction) that the vegetables then absorb as they sweat in the rendered fat.
Professional chefs know that toasting the gochujang with the meat removes its raw edge and caramelizes its natural sugars. This creates deeper, rounder flavors than adding it at the end. The brief high heat also helps the paste coat the beef, ensuring every bite carries that signature spicy-sweet punch.
Food science shows that slow simmering at gentle heat breaks down tough collagen in stew meat into silky gelatin. Combined with the wine's acidity and the paste's fermented complexity, you get a sauce that's both rich and bright—the hallmark of restaurant-quality stews.
Ingredients
Recipe yields 4-6 servings
For the Stew
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 900 g (2 lbs) | beef stew meat | cut into bite-sized cubes |
| 60 g (3 tablespoons) | gochujang (Korean chili paste) | used in place of tomato paste |
| 30 ml (2 tablespoons) | sesame oil | divided use |
| 4 cloves | garlic | minced |
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Tips & Tricks
If your gochujang is burning: Keep the heat at medium-low when stirring the paste into the aromatics. Gochujang has high sugar content and scorches quickly. Add your wine within 2-3 minutes to stop the cooking and prevent bitter, burnt flavors.
If the stew is too spicy: Stir in 1 teaspoon of brown sugar or honey. The sweetness balances the capsaicin heat and rounds out the flavor profile without making it taste dessert-like. You can also add a splash of cream for richness that tames the burn.
If your beef is tough and chewy: You boiled it too hard. The surface should show just a gentle 'smile' of barely visible bubbles—not a rolling boil. Lower your heat and give it more time. Tough meat needs patience, not high heat, to become tender.
If you can't find gochujang: Mix 2 tablespoons tomato paste with 1 tablespoon Sriracha and 1 teaspoon miso paste. This mimics the spicy, savory, and slightly sweet fermented profile, though it won't be quite as complex as the real thing.
If the sauce is too thin: Remove the lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes to evaporate excess liquid. Or make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it in, and simmer for 2 minutes until thickened.
If you want to make this ahead: The stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Make it up to 3 days ahead, cool completely, and refrigerate covered. Reheat gently on the stovetop. Make the scallion topping fresh just before serving for the best texture and brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes! For a slow cooker, do the browning and deglazing steps in a pan first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. In an Instant Pot, use the 'Sauté' function for the browning and aromatics, then pressure cook on 'Meat/Stew' for 35 minutes with natural pressure release.
What can I use if I can't find gochujang?
Mix 2 tablespoons tomato paste with 1 tablespoon Sriracha and 1 teaspoon miso paste. This combination mimics the spicy, savory, and slightly sweet fermented profile that gochujang brings to Korean-style beef stew, though it won't have quite the same depth of flavor.
Why use fennel in a Korean-inspired stew?
Fennel provides a subtle anise note that complements the earthy mushrooms and fermented chili paste beautifully. When braised, fennel loses its crunch and becomes sweet and tender, acting as a sophisticated flavor bridge between the red wine and the beef stock. It adds complexity without being overpowering.
How do I know when the sauce is reduced enough?
The sauce should reach 'nappe' consistency—thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Run your finger through the coating on the spoon; if the line stays clear without the sauce running back together, it's perfectly reduced. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for 10-15 more minutes.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Chuck roast, short ribs, or brisket all work beautifully because they have enough fat and collagen to stay moist during long cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin—they'll dry out and get tough. You want marbled meat that can handle 2 hours of gentle simmering.
What should I serve with this stew?
Steamed white rice is traditional and soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. You can also serve it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or Korean-style pickled vegetables (kimchi or pickled radish) to add more bright, acidic contrast to the rich stew.
How spicy is this dish?
It's moderately spicy—the gochujang brings warmth but not overwhelming heat. The sweetness in the paste and the slow cooking mellow the spice. If you're sensitive to heat, start with 2 tablespoons of gochujang and taste before adding more. You can always add heat but can't take it away.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Cool the stew completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock if needed. Don't freeze the scallion topping—make that fresh when you're ready to serve.