If you're a fan of fusion cuisine, then this Creamy Gochujang Spaghetti with Ground Beef is a must-try. This dish perfectly blends the rich, creamy texture of classic pasta with the bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors of Korean gochujang. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even an impressive dish for guests.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you perfect this delicious dish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Unique fusion of flavors: A delightful mix of Italian pasta and Korean spice.
Creamy yet spicy: The gochujang brings a deep umami kick, balanced by the smooth creaminess of heavy cream or milk.
Quick and easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and ingredients based on your preference.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
12 oz (340g) spaghetti
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 lb (225g) ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Gochujang and Liquids
Add gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring well to mix everything together.
Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix well until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Plate the spaghetti and top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
FAQs
1. What is Gochujang and Where Can I Find It?
Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, and red chili powder. It has a deep umami flavor with a mild sweetness and a spicy kick. You can find it in the Asian section of most grocery stores or online.
2. Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground pork, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well in this dish. You can also use thinly sliced beef or chicken instead of ground meat.
3. Is This Dish Very Spicy?
It has a moderate level of spice, but you can adjust it to your preference. Reduce the amount of gochujang and omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version. If you love spice, you can add extra chili flakes or even some sriracha.
4. Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative like oat or almond milk. The Parmesan can be swapped with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy flavor.
5. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce.
6. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and mix it with freshly cooked pasta.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Gochujang Spaghetti with Ground Beef is a bold and satisfying dish that brings together the best of Italian and Korean flavors. It's creamy, spicy, savory, and incredibly comforting—all in one bowl. Whether you're a fan of gochujang or looking to try something new, this fusion pasta dish is sure to impress.
Give it a try and let us know how you like it! Happy cooking!
Post a Comment