Preview
Gochujang Mac and Cheese
5 min
Prep Time15 min
Cook Time20 min
Total TimeSpice 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 (3 servings)
MetricImperial
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
- Chop garlic and grate cheddar cheese.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 120ml pasta water and drain. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, add butter, garlic and gochujang. Cook over medium-low heat until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and about 60ml of milk until smooth. Then, stir in remaining milk and bring to a boil, whisking constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese. Season to taste with salt.
- Add cooked pasta and stir to coat pasta in sauce. Thin out the sauce with pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time, if necessary.
- Serve immediately in your favourite pasta bowl.
- 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 or Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese!
Enlarged Image
Enlarged Image
Enlarged Image