Bacon and Shrimp Paste Oil Pasta: A Magical Flavor That Calls for Beer!
Bacon and Shrimp Paste Oil Pasta Recipe: A Fantastic Harmony of Salty Bacon and Savory Shrimp Paste
Introducing a special pasta dish that was featured in an unreleased recipe from ‘Chef Baek’s Home Cooking’! Just like pollack roe pasta, fermented seafood pastes surprisingly pair wonderfully with pasta. This time, we’ve incorporated shrimp paste, known for its savory depth and salty richness, into an oil pasta. The combination was unexpected, but it resulted in a divine flavor that makes you crave beer or wine. It’s salty, irresistible, and will have you reaching for your fork again and again. Instead of chicken pasta, why not enjoy a special meal with this appetizing bacon and shrimp paste pasta!
Ingredients- Pasta 100g
- 1 slice Thick-cut Bacon
- 1/2 tsp Shrimp Paste
- 1/2 cup Pasta Water (water used to boil pasta)
- 4-5 cloves Garlic
- 1 Red Chili Pepper
- 1/2 Small Green Onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the ingredients for your pasta: pasta, thick-cut bacon, shrimp paste, garlic, red chili pepper, and green onion. Prepping your ingredients beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Here are the key aromatics that determine the flavor of oil pasta. Garlic and red chili pepper cut through the richness, enhancing the pasta’s overall flavor. Adding fragrant green onion takes it to the next level! These three ingredients are essential for a delicious oil pasta, so be sure not to skip them.
Step 3
Introducing one of today’s star ingredients: thick-cut bacon. It’s great for dishes like kimchi fried rice, sandwiches, and pasta. Its salty and rich flavor evokes a deep taste reminiscent of bacon enjoyed abroad.
Step 4
Good bacon has a satisfying chew. With a perfect balance of lean meat and fat, this thick-cut bacon offers a delightful texture that gets more savory with every bite, enhancing the overall satisfaction of the dish.
Step 5
Shall we start making the pasta? First, boil the pasta. A standard recipe uses 1 tablespoon of salt for 1.8 liters of water, which is enough to boil up to 2 servings. Today, we’ll boil it for 8 minutes to achieve the perfect doneness. Oil-based pastas like Aglio e Olio have a relatively short cooking time, so it’s crucial to cook the pasta al dente (slightly firm to the bite). If the pasta is overcooked, it can become mushy. If you prefer the traditional Italian al dente texture, boil for just 6 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and toss gently. Never rinse the pasta with cold water! Pasta itself is quite bland, so tossing it with olive oil and a pinch of salt is the secret to a delicious dish.
Step 6
While the pasta is boiling, start by cooking the bacon in a heated pan. If you’re a big fan of bacon, you can add an extra slice beyond the standard recipe, but consider adjusting the amount considering the bacon’s natural saltiness. One slice of this thick-cut bacon is enough to provide ample flavor. If you’re using thinner bacon, using about two slices is recommended.
Step 7
First, place the bacon in the pan and cook until golden brown. It’s important to cook it patiently, allowing enough fat to render out.
Step 8
Once the bacon is nicely browned, briefly place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat, then cut it into bite-sized pieces with scissors. This makes it easy to incorporate into the pasta.
Step 9
After wiping the pan clean with a paper towel (from cooking the bacon), add a generous amount of olive oil. Sauté the garlic and red chili pepper until golden brown and fragrant. Once the garlic starts to turn golden, add the cooked bacon and 1/2 teaspoon of shrimp paste, and stir-fry them together. The savory umami from the shrimp paste will meld with the oil, adding a deep flavor.
Step 10
It’s best to cook this step over medium heat rather than high heat. Keep in mind that my stove runs quite hot, so adjust the heat to prevent burning. Gently sautéing the ingredients will bring out their flavors without scorching.
Step 11
Add the fragrant green onion and sauté briefly to add its aroma. The onion will become slightly softened and release a subtle sweetness when cooked in oil.
Step 12
Once the green onion has slightly wilted and becomes fragrant, add the pre-boiled pasta to the pan. Prepare to mix the pasta with the other ingredients.
Step 13
Now, pour in 1/2 cup of pasta water. The pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and allows the ingredients to blend together harmoniously. Using regular water instead of pasta water might result in a less deep flavor for the sauce.
Step 14
Increase the heat slightly and stir-fry quickly to combine all the ingredients well. The pasta will become glossy as the noodles and sauce meld together.
Step 15
The pasta is ready when the sauce has slightly reduced and coated the noodles. It’s most delicious when slightly moist, with the flavors of the ingredients well-infused. Be mindful of the heat to avoid it becoming too dry.
Step 16
Here’s the Bacon and Shrimp Paste Pasta, showcasing a fantastic harmony between salty bacon and savory shrimp paste! This pasta is truly a perfect match for beer. The moment you take a bite, you’ll crave a cold beer – it’s that magically delicious. We already know that pork and shrimp paste pair well, but I never imagined they’d be this delicious in a pasta dish.
Step 17
Here’s a tip for enjoying your delicious pasta: twirl some pasta onto your fork, top it with bacon and garlic, and take a big bite! It’s so salty, you might find it hard to eat without a beer. A plate of this pasta with a cold can of beer is the ultimate pairing!
