Noodlepedia
A glossary of both familiar and lesser-known Asian ingredients and terms.
Gochujang
A thick, sweet-spicy Korean chili paste made from fermented soybeans and rice.
Pro Tip: Adds heat, depth, and a touch of sweetness—perfect for glazes or sauces.
How to Use It:
- Stir into soups or stews
- Add to bibimbap or marinades
- Mix with mayo for a spicy spread
1. Creamy Gochujang Pasta (Spicy Korean-Italian Fusion)
Think vodka pasta… but bolder, deeper, hotter.
Ingredients:
8 oz pasta (rigatoni or spaghetti slaps)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp gochujang
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a twist)
Salt + pepper to taste
Optional: grated parm, green onions, chili flakes
Instructions:
Boil pasta and save some pasta water.
Sauté onion in olive oil until soft, add garlic.
Stir in gochujang + tomato paste, cook 2–3 min until it darkens.
Lower heat, stir in cream. Simmer until silky.
Add pasta + a splash of pasta water. Stir until glossy and coated.
Top with parm and green onions if you’re fancy.
Why it works: It’s spicy, creamy, umami-rich comfort food—crowd-wowing and weeknight-easy.
2. Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowls
Meal prep heaven meets takeout fakeout. Hits every time.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breast
1 tbsp gochujang
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
For the bowls:
Cooked rice (jasmine, short grain, or even cauliflower rice)
Sliced cucumber or pickled veggies
Shredded carrots
Fried egg (optional but elite)
Sesame seeds & green onion for garnish
Instructions:
Marinate chicken in gochujang, soy, honey, sesame oil, garlic (20 min to overnight).
Grill, pan-fry, or bake until caramelized and cooked through.
Assemble bowls with rice, chicken, veggies, and a fried egg on top.
Drizzle with extra gochujang or sriracha mayo if you’re feelin’ saucy.
Why it works: Sweet, spicy, and so customizable. It’s a fridge-clearing miracle and meal-prep MVP.
Want a vegan version? Or want to turn these into a fun cooking date night idea? I can remix them however you like.