The Student's Secret Ingredient for Leveling Up Your Faves
Let’s be honest student life means making the most of quick meals, midnight snacks, and whatever’s in the fridge. But if you’ve got a jar of gochujang (that spicy-sweet Korean chili paste) on hand, you’re about to upgrade your kitchen game without breaking the bank.
Why Is Gochujang Popping Up Everywhere?
Once just a staple in Korean kitchens, gochujang is now turning up on sandwiches, in pasta sauces, and even in classic student favorites like cheese toasties. It’s thick, packed with umami, and gives everything it touches a spicy kick and deep flavor. Think of it as your flavor cheat code.
At Kimchi, we use it in BBQ marinades, soups, and even dressings. But you don’t have to be a pro chef (or even have a fully stocked kitchen) to make magic with it.
3 Simple Gochujang Hacks for Students
1. Gochujang Cheese Toastie
Grab bread, cheese, and a spoonful of gochujang. Spread the paste inside the sandwich before toasting. Melty, spicy, cheesy perfection—ideal for those 2 AM cravings.
2. Gochujang Pasta (Korean-Style)
Cook your pasta. In a pan, mix a tablespoon of gochujang with a bit of butter, a splash of pasta water, and some grated cheese. Toss it all together. Boom—budget-friendly, spicy creamy pasta.
3. Gochujang Mayo Dip
Mix mayo with a teaspoon of gochujang for a spicy dip. Fries? Sorted. Leftover chicken? Even better. Honestly, you’ll want to put this on everything.
Want the Real Deal?
If you're craving a full-on gochujang experience, swing by Kimchi in Selly Oak. From sizzling BBQ to our signature bibimbap, we’ve got gochujang dishes that’ll blow your mind—no kitchen clean-up required.
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