Creamy, spicy fusion with kimchi, melty cheeses, and crispy sesame topping for bold comfort and flavor.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 10.5 oz elbow macaroni
02 - 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
→ Cheese Sauce
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
05 - 1.9 cups whole milk
06 - 5.3 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
07 - 2.6 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
08 - 1.8 oz cream cheese, cubed
09 - 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
10 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
13 - Salt, to taste
→ Kimchi Mixture
14 - 5.3 oz well-fermented kimchi, chopped
15 - 1 tbsp kimchi juice
16 - 2 spring onions, finely sliced
→ Topping
17 - 1.8 oz panko breadcrumbs
18 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
19 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
20 - 1 tsp sesame oil
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 390°F. Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with salt. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
04 - Gradually incorporate milk, whisking continuously until mixture is smooth and thickened—about 4 to 5 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Mix until cheeses are fully melted and sauce is creamy.
06 - Blend in gochujang, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste.
07 - Fold in chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, and sliced spring onions until evenly distributed.
08 - Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well. Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish.
09 - In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, toasted sesame seeds, melted butter, and sesame oil. Sprinkle topping evenly over pasta.
10 - Place baking dish in oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until topping is golden and cheese is bubbling. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
