Gochugaru

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of Korean red pepper flake known for its vibrant color and mild heat, often used in kimchi and other dishes
2. A staple in Korean cooking, this spice offers a smoky but sweet flavor, making it essential for sauces and marinades
3. Characterized by its coarse texture and deep red hue, this chili powder serves as a key ingredient in many Korean recipes, enhancing both taste and color

Etymology: Gochugaru is a Korean compound, built from "gochu" (chili pepper) and "garu" (powder, flour), and the English word simply borrows the Korean term whole. The compound's underlying form is "gochutgaru" in Korean, where the final "t" appears as a linking sound when the two parts join, which is why the spelling in the source differs slightly from the English one. The word is a case of a dish's ingredient travelling with its name. Korean cooks use the coarse, bright-red flakes and fine powder in kimchi, stews, and marinades, and English speakers adopted the Korean name rather than translating it into "Korean chili powder," because the ingredient has no close equivalent in Western spice cabinets. Its meaning stayed fixed to that specific product, so the borrowed term preserves its original sense exactly.

Synonyms: Korean chili powder, red pepper flakes