Spicy Gochujang Carbonara Recipe

Imagine the bold, fiery kick of Korean gochujang meeting the creamy, indulgent richness of Italian carbonara. The result? Spicy Gochujang Carbonara, a dish that perfectly blends two culinary worlds in one irresistible bowl of pasta. This fusion recipe brings together the umami depth of gochujang, the savory notes of pancetta, and the velvety cloud of a golden egg sauce, creating a meal that's both comforting and exciting for your taste buds. The best part? It’s super simple to make, even if you’re not a kitchen pro.

Whether you’re craving something unique for dinner or just eager to shake up your pasta game, this recipe delivers big on flavor while keeping the prep easy and straightforward. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients

To serve 2-3 people, you’ll need the following:

For the Sauce:

• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 whole egg
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for a touch of extra velvety texture)

For the Pasta:

• 200g spaghetti or linguini
• 4 oz (115g) pancetta or bacon, diced into small pieces (substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• A pinch of black pepper
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons of pasta water (reserved from cooking the noodles)

For Garnish:

• Chopped scallions or chives
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out. Grate the Parmesan, dice the pancetta or bacon, mince the garlic, and separate your egg yolks from the whites. This makes the cooking process smooth and fast.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti or linguini according to the package instructions. Cook it until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the sauce later. Remember to reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the pasta water before draining the noodles.

Step 3: Make the Gochujang Carbonara Sauce

While the pasta cooks, whisk together your egg yolks, whole egg, gochujang, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream (if using) in a bowl. You should have a creamy, vibrant orange sauce. Set it aside.

Step 4: Cook the Pancetta and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta (or bacon) and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 5: Combine the Pasta with the Sauce

Reduce the heat on your skillet to low. Add the cooked pasta directly to the pan with the pancetta and garlic, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss it all together to coat the noodles evenly.

Remove the pan from heat and quickly pour the gochujang-egg mixture over the pasta. Toss everything vigorously to ensure the sauce clings to the noodles and becomes creamy from the residual heat. If the sauce looks too thick, add another tablespoon of pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Give the pasta a quick taste and season with freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Garnish with chopped scallions or chives, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Customization & Serving

1. Make it vegetarian: Skip the pancetta and use sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version.
2. Adjust the spice level: If you're sensitive to heat, start with 1 tablespoon of gochujang instead of 2. If you're a spice lover, add a drizzle of Korean chili oil on top before serving.
3. Swap the pasta: While spaghetti or linguini work well, don’t shy away from using bucatini or even fettuccine for variety.
4. Make it your own: Add some grated lemon zest for a hint of citrus or toss in some baby spinach for a pop of green and nutrients.

Serve this dish immediately as it’s best enjoyed hot and fresh. Pair it with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread to balance the flavors.

Final Thoughts

Spicy Gochujang Carbonara is proof that some of the best meals come from adventurous combinations. It’s creamy, spicy, smoky, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for a weekday dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends, this recipe will surely become a repeat favorite in your kitchen. Grab your chopsticks or fork and dig in!

Enjoy every slurp! 🍜