Baek Jong-won’s Super Simple Aglio e Olio Pasta
It’s This Easy! Baek Jong-won’s Aglio e Olio Pasta
Learn how to make Baek Jong-won’s Aglio e Olio pasta effortlessly at home. Savor the aromatic garlic and rich olive oil flavor!
Ingredients and Seasonings- Pasta 1 serving (approx. 100g, coin-sized portion)
- Olive oil 5 Tbsp (Extra virgin recommended)
- Whole garlic cloves 3-4
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Peperoncino 1 Tbsp (Dried chili or Thai chili)
- Salt to taste
- Pasta water 1/2 cup (approx. 100ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the pasta. For one serving, a portion the size of a 100-won coin (about 100g) is suitable. Thinly slice the whole garlic cloves. Chef Baek Jong-won suggested crushing the peperoncino by hand, but using them whole will still infuse plenty of aroma and heat. Adjust to your preference.
Step 2
Now, let’s cook the pasta. Bring a generous pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt for seasoning, and then add the pasta. Cook for 7-8 minutes. It’s important to reserve some of the pasta water before draining.
Step 3
While the pasta is cooking, we’ll make the flavorful oil sauce. Pour about 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil generously into a pan. Ample olive oil enhances the pasta’s richness.
Step 4
Next, add the sliced garlic, minced garlic, and peperoncino all together into the pan and mix well. This creates the basic Aglio e Olio oil sauce. Allow the garlic to infuse its aroma into the oil.
Step 5
Once the pasta is cooked, place the oil sauce pan over low heat. Cook the garlic gently until it turns golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burning the garlic will result in a bitter taste, so watch it closely. Avoid adding the pasta before the garlic is cooked; it’s crucial to cook the garlic first to properly infuse the oil.
Step 6
When the garlic is beautifully golden brown, drain the cooked pasta and add it to the pan. Season with salt to your taste. Then, add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Use chopsticks or tongs to quickly toss the pasta, emulsifying the oil and pasta water to create a luscious sauce that coats the noodles. The pasta water helps thicken the sauce and bind all the ingredients together.
Step 7
Once the pasta water has reduced slightly, your delicious Baek Jong-won style Aglio e Olio pasta is ready! Isn’t it surprisingly simple and impressive?
Step 8
If the seasoning is a little bland for your liking, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add a nice salty kick and cheesy aroma. While enjoying the pure, clean taste of Aglio e Olio is wonderful, you can also elevate it by adding ingredients like bacon, shrimp, or mushrooms for a richer and more varied pasta experience. Enjoy your meal!
