Normal FontLarge Font
MetricImperial

Gochujang Mac and Cheese

yield: 3 servingsprep time: 5 minscook time: 15 mins
Vegetarian
recipe-image

DESCRIPTION

Spice up (literally) your ordinary mac and cheese with gochujang! This recipe features high protein chickpea pasta coated in a creamy, spicy cheese sauce that is lower in fat than conventional and still big in flavor!

INGREDIENTS

  • 240ml low fat milk
  • 50g sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 tsp all purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tsp gochujang
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Salt, to taste
  • 250g chickpea pasta

Crunchy topping (optional)

  • 20g panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Chop garlic and grate cheddar cheese.
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 120ml pasta water and drain. Set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, add butter, garlic and gochujang. Cook over medium-low heat until fragrant.
  4. Whisk in flour and about 60ml of milk until smooth. Then, stir in remaining milk and bring to a boil, whisking constantly, until thickened.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese. Season to taste with salt.
  6. Add cooked pasta and stir to coat pasta in sauce. Thin out the sauce with pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time, if necessary.
  7. Serve immediately in your favourite pasta bowl.
  8. Alternatively, you can bake the mac and cheese. Transfer to an oven safe dish and top with panko crumbs. Lightly spray with cooking spray, then broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!

NOTES

  • Make sure to remove the sauce from heat before stirring in grated cheese, otherwise the mixture may split and curdle.
  • Feel free to use a low-fat cheddar cheese if you prefer. A sharp cheddar cheese will work best for this recipe as you want the tangy cheesy flavor.
  • I used chickpea pasta for a boost in protein and fiber, but feel free to use any other pasta you like to suit your dietary needs eg. gluten free.
  • Gochujang is Korean fermented red chili paste and can be found in Asian grocery stores. Feel free to adjust the amount used according to your spice preference.
  • Add extra mix-in’s to make this recipe a more complete meal, such as: baby spinach, shredded roast chicken, cooked shrimps, cooked ham/ lean bacon, peas & corn.
  • Want to try a different mac & cheese recipe? Try this [Vegan Mac and Cheese](https://chloeting.com/recipes/vegan-mac-and-cheese) or [Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese](https://chloeting.com/recipes/hidden-veggie-mac-cheese)!

© Chloe Ting Recipes – https://chloeting.com/recipes/gochujang-mac-and-cheese