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Creamy Korean Ssamjang (쌈장) Pasta Recipe

Creamy Korean Ssamjang (쌈장) Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 5 reviews

This Creamy Korean Ssamjang Pasta combines the rich, spicy flavors of traditional Korean ssamjang with creamy parmesan sauce and tender pork belly, creating a unique fusion dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Perfect for those craving a gourmet twist on classic pasta with an exciting Korean flavor profile.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • 200g spaghetti
  • Salt (to taste, for boiling water)
  • Reserved pasta water (about 1 cup)

For the Pork Belly

  • 2 slabs pork belly (~150g)
  • Salt (to taste, for seasoning)

For the Sauce

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 3 tbsp ssamjang
  • 3/4 cup cream (~200g)
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Red pepper flakes (to taste)

For Garnish

  • Green onions (thinly sliced)
  • Soft boiled egg
  • Additional Parmesan cheese
  • Kimchi (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pork Belly: Pan-fry the pork belly slabs over medium heat until fully cooked and crispy on the outside. Remove from pan, cut into smaller chunks, lightly season with salt, and set aside.
  2. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Prepare Sauce: In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in ssamjang and then pour in the cream. Simmer the mixture gently for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cooked pork belly pieces back into the sauce to reheat.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce pan. Mix in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Gradually drizzle in reserved pasta water a little at a time while mixing, until the sauce becomes silky and coats the pasta evenly. Do not add all the water; just enough to achieve desired consistency.
  5. Season and Garnish: Taste the pasta and season with salt if needed. Serve topped with extra Parmesan cheese, sliced green onions, and a soft boiled egg. Optionally, serve with kimchi on the side for an authentic Korean touch.
  6. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, flavorful Korean-Italian fusion pasta dish!

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps emulsify the sauce for a creamy texture.
  • Soft boiled eggs add richness and a luxurious touch but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
  • Adjust the amount of ssamjang and red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
  • Kimchi offers a tangy contrast that complements the creamy pasta superbly.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
  • The pork belly can be substituted with bacon or pancetta if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean pasta, ssamjang pasta, creamy pasta, pork belly pasta, fusion recipe, Korean cuisine, Italian cuisine, spaghetti recipe

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/creamy-korean-ssamjang-pasta-recipe/