Description
This Gochujang Pasta with Furikake Breadcrumbs is a quick and flavorful fusion dish that combines creamy, spicy Korean chili paste sauce with crunchy Japanese-inspired furikake breadcrumbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe offers a comforting yet exciting meal perfect for weeknight dinners, blending creamy pasta with umami-packed toppings for a unique taste experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons Gochujang (adjust based on heat preference)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced, fresh preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (can be omitted for dairy-free)
- 8 ounces Pasta (spaghetti or penne)
Breadcrumbs and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Furikake (or substitute with toasted sesame seeds and crushed nori)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or any mild-flavored oil)
- Optional: Parmesan cheese and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and breadcrumbs, toasting them for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Stir in the furikake seasoning, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Cook Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Make Gochujang Sauce: In a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add the gochujang paste and fry for 1 to 2 minutes to enhance its aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and stir the mixture, allowing it to thicken into a creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the gochujang sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring to ensure the sauce evenly coats the noodles and achieves your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle with the crispy furikake breadcrumbs. Optionally, garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Adjust Gochujang quantity to control spice level.
- Use coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
- Omit butter for a dairy-free version.
- Substitute furikake with toasted sesame seeds and crushed nori if unavailable.
- Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with parmesan and parsley for additional flavor and presentation.
