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Gochujang Pappardelle

Gochujang Pappardelle

Gochujang Pappardelle is a vibrant fusion pasta dish that pairs silky, wide Italian pappardelle noodles with a spicy, savory Korean gochujang sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers a harmonious blend of heat, sweetness, and umami, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. With adaptability to add proteins or veggies and a beautifully balanced sauce, it offers a comforting yet bold flavor experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz pappardelle pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp gochujang paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cook the pappardelle: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
  2. Prepare the sauce base: In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Build the gochujang sauce: Stir in the gochujang paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar or honey. Mix until smooth and allow to simmer gently to meld the flavors together.
  4. Adjust the sauce consistency: Gradually add the vegetable or chicken broth while stirring until the sauce reaches a silky, saucy texture that can evenly coat the pasta.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the drained pappardelle with the sauce in the skillet. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and ensure every noodle is deliciously coated.
  6. Finish and garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh green onions and, optionally, toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • Choose pappardelle or similarly wide pasta like fettuccine or tagliatelle to best hold the thick sauce.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity to balance the heat of the gochujang.
  • Reserve pasta water to achieve the perfect silky sauce consistency.
  • Use fresh garlic and green onions for more vibrant flavors.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy optimal texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Gochujang pappardelle, spicy pasta, fusion recipe, Korean chili paste, quick dinner, easy pasta sauce