Indulge your taste buds in a symphony of bold and creamy flavors with our Garlicky Creamy Vegan Gochujang Mac & Cheese, a fusion masterpiece inspired by Korean cuisine. Crafted with a cheesy sauce that includes the key ingredient, gochujang paste and sunflower seeds, this spicy mac creation promises a tantalizing experience for your palate.
As you make this TikTok-worthy dish, envision a golden brown cheesy sauce that embraces the gooey goodness of vegan cheese, nutritional yeast, and a touch of béchamel magic. Expertly cooked g macaroni meets a medley of flavors, with sesame seeds (optional) adding a delightful crunch.
Cooking time is a breeze, especially with a little bit of soy sauce, vegan fish sauce, and aromatic garlic cloves in the mix. Explore the world of Korean cooking with a tablespoon or two of gochujang that elevates this vegan mac & cheese to a spicy sensation.
Follow our packet instructions to cook pasta to al dente perfection, then whip up this Asian-inspired delight in just 2-3 minutes. As you savor each bite, you'll find your taste buds dancing to the rhythm of Gochujang Mac & Cheese Magic.
Why You'll Love This
- Creamy Cheesy Sauce: Indulge in a velvety, golden brown cheesy sauce that blends the richness of vegan cheese, béchamel magic, and nutritional yeast. Each bite promises a comforting and satisfying creaminess.
- Quick and Easy TikTok Recipe: Perfect for those seeking a quick and visually appealing dish, this mac & cheese recipe is TikTok-worthy, making it fun and accessible to create.
- Gochujang Infusion: The key ingredient, gochujang paste, infuses the dish with a delightful spiciness, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
- Asian-Inspired Goodness: Elevate your taste buds with the incorporation of sesame seeds, soy sauce, and fish sauce, creating a harmonious blend that pays homage to Asian culinary influences.
- Garlicky Aroma: Enjoy the aromatic allure of garlic cloves, enhancing the overall sensory experience and bringing a savory depth to the dish.
- Quick Cooking Time: With a cooking time of just 2-3 minutes, this mac & cheese is perfect for those looking to whip up a flavorful meal in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Explore the convenience of readily available ingredients, such as local grocery store finds and easy-to-source items like panko breadcrumbs and unsweetened plant milk.
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Ingredients
- Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds are the edible seeds of the sunflower plant, known for their mild, nutty flavor and crunchy texture. They are a good source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast with a cheesy, nutty flavor. It is a popular seasoning in vegan and vegetarian dishes, rich in B vitamins, protein, and often fortified with additional nutrients.
- Gochujang: Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste made from red chili peppers, glutinous rice, soybeans, and salt. It has a savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor, contributing depth to dishes.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Add the finely diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant. We will top our dish with these.
Add Gochujang, sunflower seeds, stock, nutritional yeast to your blender. Blitz until smooth and creamy.
Combine cooked pasta and Gochujang sauce until evenly coated. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors. Stir in extra vegan cheese if you want to.
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Hint: Enhance your salads, soups, or smoothie bowls with the crunchy goodness of sunflower seeds, offering a mild, nutty flavor. For a cheesy and nutrient-rich boost, sprinkle nutritional yeast on your favorite plant-based dishes like salads or vegan mac and cheese.
Substitutions
Sunflower Seeds:
- Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Similar in texture, pepitas offer a nutty flavor and can be used as a substitute for sunflower seeds in salads, granola, or as a topping.
- Chia Seeds: While smaller, chia seeds can provide a crunchy texture and are rich in nutrients. Use them as an alternative in smoothie bowls, yogurt, or as a topping.
- Almonds or Walnuts: Chopped almonds or walnuts can be used as a replacement for sunflower seeds in various dishes, offering a different but satisfying crunch.
Nutritional Yeast:
- Dairy-Free Cheese: If you're looking for a cheesy flavor, consider using dairy-free cheese alternatives. These products often melt well and can be used in dishes like mac and cheese or casseroles.
- Miso Paste: Miso paste can add a savory, umami flavor similar to nutritional yeast. Use it in soups, dressings, or marinades for depth of flavor.
- Cashew or Almond Parmesan: Blend cashews or almonds with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt to create a vegan parmesan substitute. Sprinkle it on pasta, salads, or any dish that calls for nutritional yeast.
Gochujang:
- Sriracha: Sriracha is a popular chili sauce that can be used as a substitute for Gochujang. It has a similar spicy kick and can be added to marinades, sauces, or as a condiment.
- Red Pepper Flakes and Miso Paste: Combine red pepper flakes for heat and miso paste for depth to create a flavor profile reminiscent of Gochujang. Adjust quantities based on your desired spice level.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: This sauce combines chili and garlic flavors and can be used as a spicy alternative to Gochujang in various recipes.
Always consider personal taste preferences and dietary restrictions when making substitutions. These alternatives can help you achieve similar textures and flavors in your recipes.
Variations
Cheese Alternatives:
- Smoky Vegan Cheese: Choose a smoky-flavored vegan cheese to add a different dimension to the dish.
- Herbed Vegan Cheese: Opt for a herbed vegan cheese for a burst of fresh flavors in the creamy sauce.
Protein Additions:
- Crispy Tofu Topping: Pan-fry tofu cubes until crispy and use them as a flavorful topping for added protein.
- Spicy Vegan Sausage: Crumble spicy vegan sausage into the mac & cheese for a zesty kick.
Vegetable Additions:
- Broccoli Florets: Steam or roast broccoli florets and mix them into the mac & cheese for a nutritious twist.
- Caramelized Onions: Add sweetness and depth of flavor by incorporating caramelized onions into the dish.
Spice and Heat:
- Chili Flakes or Hot Sauce: Adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Sriracha Drizzle: Drizzle sriracha over the mac & cheese just before serving for a spicy touch.
Noodle Varieties:
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat macaroni for a nuttier flavor and increased fiber content.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Choose gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Toppings:
- Crispy Garlic Breadcrumbs: Toast breadcrumbs with garlic in olive oil until crispy, then sprinkle them on top for added texture.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Creamy Alternatives:
- Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a cashew cream, adding richness to the sauce.
- Coconut Milk: Use coconut milk for a slightly tropical flavor and a creamy texture.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to tailor the Garlicky Creamy Vegan Gochujang Mac & Cheese to your taste preferences and create a unique and delicious version every time!
Storage
- Refrigeration:
- Allow the mac & cheese to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing:
- Portion the mac & cheese into individual containers or a freezer-safe bag.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
- Frozen mac & cheese can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing:
- Thaw frozen mac & cheese overnight in the refrigerator.
- Alternatively, use the defrost function on a microwave for quicker thawing.
- Reheating:
- Reheat refrigerated or thawed mac & cheese on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Ensure the mac & cheese reaches a safe internal temperature before consuming.
- Quality Check:
- Before consuming leftovers, visually inspect for any signs of spoilage, and check for off odors.
- Discard if there are any indications of deterioration.
By following these storage tips, you can maintain the quality and flavor of your Garlicky Creamy Vegan Gochujang Mac & Cheese for enjoyable leftovers.
Top tip
To revitalize the creaminess of your Garlicky Creamy Vegan Gochujang Mac & Cheese upon reheating, add a splash of unsweetened plant milk or vegetable broth.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes or use gluten-free options to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Is Gochujang spicy?
- Yes, Gochujang has a spicy kick. Adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance or add other spices to tailor the heat level to your liking.
- Can I make it ahead of time?
- Certainly! You can prepare the mac & cheese in advance and refrigerate or freeze it. Reheat as needed, adding a bit of plant milk to restore creaminess.
- How do I make it gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that other ingredients, such as Gochujang and nutritional yeast, are labeled gluten-free.
- Can I omit nutritional yeast?
- While nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, you can omit it if desired. Adjust the seasonings and consider adding vegan cheese for a cheesy taste.
- Can I make it nut-free?
- Yes, you can make it nut-free by choosing a nut-free plant milk or omitting ingredients like cashew cream. Use a creamy alternative like coconut milk.
- What can I use instead of coconut aminos?
- Substitute soy sauce or tamari for coconut aminos, adjusting the quantity based on your taste preferences.
- How can I make it more kid-friendly?
- To make it more kid-friendly, you can reduce the spice level by using less Gochujang or opting for a mild variety. Customize with their favorite pasta shapes and add veggies they enjoy.
- Can I use a different plant milk?
- Absolutely! Choose any unsweetened plant milk you prefer, such as almond, soy, oat, or rice milk.
- What toppings work well with this dish?
- Consider toppings like crispy garlic breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of chili oil for added texture and flavor.
Feel free to adapt the recipe to your preferences and dietary requirements. These FAQs aim to provide guidance for a delightful and customizable cooking experience.
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Garlicky Creamy Vegan Gochujang Mac & Cheese recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Gochujang
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional for added depth
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant. We will top our dish with these.
- Add Gochujang, sunflower seeds, stock, nutritional yeast to your blender. Blitz until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Combine cooked pasta and Gochujang sauce until evenly coated. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors. Stir in extra vegan cheese if you want to.
- Spoon the creamy Gochujang pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with our sautéed onions and garlic & fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of freshness.
- Serve immediately and savor the delightful combination of creamy Gochujang sauce, nutty sunflower seeds, and the umami goodness of nutritional yeast.
- This Creamy Gochujang Pasta with Nutty Crunch offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds craving more. Adjust the spice level and toppings according to your preferences for a personalized culinary experience.
