Recipes

Gochujang Mac and Cheese

Add a bit of spice to your favorite stovetop classic, courtesy of our very own Rhoda Boone.

By Rhoda Boone
Apr 11, 2022
30 Minutes
2 Servings
Easy

Gochujang is an essential and beloved condiment in Korean cooking. Made from red chile pepper flakes, fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, and salt, this spicy-sweet paste is a key ingredient in traditional Korean dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, and tteokbokki.


We love its fiery kick and umami boost so much, we added it to a comfort food classic: mac and cheese. Our 3 QT Saucier is perfect for creating this dish’s signature smooth, creamy, cheesy sauce because its curved bottom makes whisking and stirring sauces a breeze. Different brands of gochujang can vary from mild to hot, so whisk a little into your sauce to start, then add a touch more if you can take the heat.

Gochujang Mac and Cheese

Add a bit of spice to your favorite stovetop classic, courtesy of our very own Rhoda Boone.

Rhoda Boone

30 Minutes
2 Servings
Easy
Ingredients
  • Kosher salt
  • 8 ounces dried cavatappi, elbow macaroni, or other short pasta of choice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • 2-3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
  • 8 ounces coarsely grated sharp cheddar (about 2 heaping cups)
  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced, divided
Instructions
    1.

    Fill a Pasta Insert Set with water and bring to a boil. Season water generously with salt, add pasta, and cook according to package directions until just al dente (avoid overcooking). Drain pasta and set aside.

    2.

    In a 3 QT Saucier over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle flour over butter and use a Wooden Spoon to incorporate, stirring to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, until roux is thickened and light golden but not brown, 3-4 minutes.

    3.

    Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to incorporate the liquid and create a béchamel sauce. Raise heat to medium-high and bring sauce to a low boil, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Reduce to a simmer over low heat, whisking occasionally, and cook until béchamel sauce is thick and coats the back of a spoon, 3-5 minutes more.

    4.

    Add gochujang, 1 ½ tsp. salt, and mustard powder, if using. Add the cheese in three batches, whisking until each addition is completely melted before adding more. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or gochujang as needed.

    5.

    Add the drained pasta to the pot with the cheese sauce and stir well to coat. Fold in half of the sliced scallion. Divide among bowls and top with remaining scallion.

Share this Recipe