Fusion Kimchi Pasta: A Delightful One-Bowl Meal
Super Simple Solo Meal, Unique Kimchi Spaghetti Recipe, Crowd-Pleasing Fusion Kimchi Dish
Introducing a fantastic kimchi spaghetti recipe perfect for a satisfying solo meal. This dish is a creative fusion that brings Korea’s beloved kimchi to the global palate. With its delightful balance of spicy and sweet flavors, this kimchi pasta is an innovative way to enjoy kimchi that everyone, including foreigners, will love. Inspired by the historical accounts of kimchi in ‘Joseon Muhak,’ this recipe offers a modern twist on our cherished traditional kimchi.
Main Ingredients- Spaghetti noodles, 1 serving (approx. 100g)
- Well-fermented napa cabbage kimchi, 80g
- Garlic, 2 cloves
- Bacon, 2 strips
- Brown sugar, 0.5 Tbsp
- Oyster sauce, 0.5 Tbsp
- Olive oil, 2 Tbsp
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pasta water (reserved from boiling pasta), 1/4 cup
- Parsley flakes, for garnish (optional)
- Cheese, for garnish (optional, e.g., grated Parmesan)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing all the ingredients for the dish. Having your kimchi, bacon, and garlic prepped will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Chop the well-fermented kimchi finely using scissors or a knife. You don’t need to drain the kimchi juice; keep it with the kimchi to enhance the flavor.
Step 3
Dice the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the garlic cloves to prepare them. Slicing the garlic thinly will release a richer aroma.
Step 4
In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 Tbsp of salt to the boiling water. Once boiling, add the spaghetti noodles and cook for about 6 minutes, or 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. (It’s best to slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the sauce).
Step 5
Once the spaghetti is cooked to your liking, quickly drain it in a colander. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This pasta water is crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
Step 6
Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Once you can smell the garlic, add the diced bacon and fry for about 10 seconds until it becomes crispy. Then, add the chopped kimchi and brown sugar. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the kimchi softens and becomes tender, which also helps to meld its sweet and savory flavors.
Step 7
Add the cooked spaghetti, reserved pasta water (1/4 cup), and oyster sauce (0.5 Tbsp) to the skillet with the kimchi and bacon mixture. Stir-fry together for about 1 minute, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta and the liquid to reduce slightly. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of black pepper for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 8
Give everything a final gentle toss to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Your delicious kimchi spaghetti is now ready!
Step 9
Serve the kimchi pasta onto a plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley flakes and some freshly grated cheese, if desired, for an enhanced visual appeal and taste. Enjoy this wonderful one-bowl meal!
