Gochujang Carbonara
Indulge in a tantalizing fusion of flavors with our Gochujang Carbonara—a bold twist on the classic Italian favorite. This recipe elevates traditional carbonara with the fiery kick of gochujang sauce, adding depth and spice to every savory bite. The creamy pecorino romano-infused sauce perfectly complements the rich umami of the bacon, while the gochujang introduces a unique sweetness and heat. It's a delightful marriage of Italian and Korean cuisines, where each ingredient shines in harmony. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds and redefine your love for pasta.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 10 ounces thick-cut bacon
- ¾ cup 3 ounces grated pecorino romano, plus more to garnish
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons Gochujang
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
For garnish:
- 2 green onions (scallions) thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds black and white
Instructions
Cook the Bacon:
- Place thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer cooked bacon to a cutting board and blot excess grease with a paper towel.
- Coarsely chop the bacon and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together grated pecorino romano, eggs, Gochujang, kosher salt, granulated garlic, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Set the sauce mixture aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the cooked spaghetti.
- Return the drained spaghetti to the pot.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Immediately add the prepared sauce mixture to the cooked spaghetti in the pot.
- Use tongs to quickly and thoroughly coat the spaghetti with the sauce.
- The warmth of the spaghetti will help create a creamy sauce.
Adjust Sauce Consistency:
- Gradually stream in the reserved pasta water while tossing the spaghetti with the sauce.
- Continue tossing until the spaghetti is glossy and creamy, adding more pasta water as needed.
Garnish and Serve:
- Divide the prepared Gochujang Carbonara into serving bowls.
- Garnish each bowl with additional grated pecorino romano, thinly sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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