Description
Transform a classic pasta dish with the unique flavor of Creamy Korean Ssamjang, combining savory pork belly and creamy textures in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine recommended)
- 3 tablespoons ssamjang (key ingredient for umami flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (chopped, red onion for sweetness)
- 1 pound pork belly (diced; chicken or tofu optional)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (for topping; nutritional yeast is vegan substitute)
- 1 large egg (optional, soft-boiled recommended)
- 2 tablespoons green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Begin by boiling water in a large pot with a generous pinch of salt. Once it reaches a rolling boil, drop in your pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add diced pork belly. Sauté until crispy and golden brown, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet with the pork. Stir everything together and cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ssamjang sauce to the skillet, stirring well to coat the pork and aromatics. Cook for another minute.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water until you achieve a creamy consistency.
- Plate your creamy Korean ssamjang pasta. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, a soft-boiled egg if using, and a handful of sliced green onions.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg