Spicy Gochujang Penne

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Italian penne strascicate is transformed into a spicy and flavorful dish by incorporating gochujang, a staple ingredient in South Korean cuisine. The gochujang adds a unique and fiery taste to the dish, giving it a distinct South Korean twist. We alse have the original recipe for Penne strascicate, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) penne pasta 250g (8.8 oz) penne pasta
• 300g (10.6 oz) beef, thinly sliced 300g (10.6 oz) beef, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons gochujang paste 2 tablespoons gochujang paste
• 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same pan, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
4. 4.
   Add the gochujang paste to the pan and stir well to coat the vegetables.
5. 5.
   Pour in the diced tomatoes, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir to combine.
6. 6.
   Return the cooked beef to the pan and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan and toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Gochujang — Gochujang is a spicy fermented chili paste commonly used in South Korean cuisine. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of gochujang used.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to enhance the nutritional value and add more texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Gochujang Penne hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. It pairs well with a side of kimchi or a simple cucumber salad.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of the pasta before serving. The contrasting colors of the red sauce, green herbs, and white sesame seeds will make the dish look vibrant and appetizing.