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At the core of this fusion pasta dish is ssamjang, a thick, savory sauce that is a staple in Korean cuisine. Traditionally, ssamjang is a mixture of doenjang (fermented soybean paste) and gochujang (Korean chili paste), along with additional ingredients such as sesame oil, garlic, and sugar. This unique combination results in a condiment that is rich in umami, with a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.

Creamy Korean Ssamjang (쌈장) Pasta🍝🌶

Discover a delightful twist on pasta with this creamy Korean Ssamjang pasta recipe! This unique dish combines spaghetti with rich ssamjang sauce, heavy cream, and umami-packed shiitake mushrooms, finished off with fresh baby spinach. It's quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish, and sure to impress your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun weeknight meal. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta

1/2 cup ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey or sugar

1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms

1 cup baby spinach

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned and tender.

        Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the ssamjang, heavy cream, sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey (or sugar) into the skillet. Mix well and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

          Add Greens: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until wilted.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy ssamjang sauce until fully coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Garnish and Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm and enjoy the unique flavors of this Korean-inspired dish!

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 2-4