Gochujang Spaghetti

Bored with your ordinary spaghetti? Try this creamy plant based spaghetti with a kick Gochujang.

What inspired this

This dish is inspired by fusing Korean flavors of Gochujang and Italian spaghetti noodles. I love mixing flavors to come up with something new. In this dish we create a creamy velvety sauce flavored with the complex umami goodness of Gochujang.

What is Gochujang?

Gochujang is a sweet savory spicy paste made with glutenous rice. The fermentation process results an a very distinct flavor enhancer common to Korean Cooking.

Why this works?

Gochujang alone is very strong, but if mellowed down with creamy plant based milk, it totally becomes something else. The sweetness shines more and it really binds well as a pasta sauce. It also acts as a thickener for your creamy sauce.

Ingredients 

1. Spaghetti Noodles - you may use any noodle you have on hand. The more important thing is to get in the kitchen and start cooking.
2. Onion -
3. Garlic -
4. Oatmilk - Choose a neutral plant-based milk
5. Shiitake - these shiitakes are really hearty and flavorful, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
6. Scallions - garnish with herbs available, using scallions leans in towards the more Asian flavor.

Steps

1. Cook spaghetti noodles as directed in package. Run through cold water and toss in oil to avoid noodles sticking to each other.
2. Make creamy Gochujang sauce by sautéing aromatics. When onions and garlic is sautéed enough, aromas filling up the kitchen. Throw in your shiitake mushrooms and continue to cook seasoning as you go.
3. Add in oatmilk and Gochujang, keep stirring till fully combined. Be careful because Gochujang is really strong.
4. Toss the noodles in the sauce and garnish with thinly sliced scallions. 

Variations & Substitutions

You can use Ssamjang, Blackbean paste, miso, harissa, tomato paste, tahini. There are lots of pastes out there that blends well with non dairy milk. Feel free to experiment to hit that creamy savory spot. As for the noodles feel free to use any type of pasta. There are lots of quality low carb pastas out there so you will never run out of combinations. You can also use different types of mushrooms, Lion’s mane, King Trumpet and Oysters are one of my favorites. 

FAQ

Q: What is gochujang?
A: Gochujang is a Korean fermented red pepper paste that adds a spicy and slightly sweet flavor to dishes. It can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online. Look for a vegan version that does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Q: Can I adjust the spiciness level of the dish?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of gochujang or add a bit more maple syrup or agave nectar to balance out the heat. Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Q: Can I add protein to the dish?
A: Yes, you can add protein to the vegan gochujang spaghetti by incorporating tofu, tempeh, or edamame. Simply cook the protein of your choice separately and add it to the skillet along with the vegetables and sauce.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen up the sauce. Gently heat the spaghetti in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Enjoy your delicious vegan gochujang spaghetti! This recipe combines the bold flavors of gochujang with the comfort of spaghetti, creating a unique and satisfying dish. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables and toppings.