"Korean Mac & Cheese - gochujang and cheese? Yes plz!
I was doing some spring cleaning and found some old food scribblings - including this recipe for a Korean-inspired Mac & Cheese inspired by the Korean dish buldak (fire chicken). A very different take on traditional mac & cheese - this version uses only mozzarella (as there is enough saltiness from the gochujang) and is topped with a sesame crumb - so let's call it a gateway mac and cheese for lovers of spicy things and softer/milder cheese. Be warned it is very moreish so I am not responsible for any gorging that might occur okur?"
Korean Mac & Cheese
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A Note from Feedfeed
Get ready for a fusion of flavors with this Korean-inspired twist on the classic macaroni and cheese. The velvety cheese sauce, enriched with the bold kick of gochujang, creates a balance of creamy and spicy. Topped with a crunchy blend of sesame seeds, panko crumbs, and a hint of heat from gochugaru, this dish takes mac and cheese to a whole new level. Quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it's a comforting and uniquely savory experience that will undoubtedly elevate your macaroni and cheese game.
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Prep time: 15mins
Cook time: 20mins
Serves or Makes: 4 servings
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 heaping tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 cups grated mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Method
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F
Step 2
Melt butter in a deep saucepan, then add garlic and lightly fry. Stir in flour over medium heat and continue mixing for about 1 minute until a paste forms. Add the gochujang and stir until combined, then gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and continue cooking and stirring for another 2 minutes. Turn off the heat then mix in the grated mozzarella.
Step 3
Cook the pasta until one minute less than al dente (according to the package instructions). Immediately drain and mix pasta with the cheese sauce until it is fully coated.
Step 4
Pour the mac and cheese into a prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine white and black sesame seeds, panko crumbs, gochugaru, sesame oil, and salt. Sprinkle the crumb over the top and bake for 8-10 minutes until the crumb is golden brown and toasty. Serve immediately.