Cheesy Gochujang Risotto

If you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, creamy, and has a bit of a spicy kick, then you’ve found the right recipe! Cheesy Gochujang Risotto brings all the richness of traditional risotto, but with a flavor-packed twist. The heat and depth from the gochujang (Korean chili paste) marry perfectly with the indulgent creaminess of the risotto, and the gooey cheese just takes it over the top. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a dash of excitement, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think to combine these flavors sooner!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Gochujang Risotto

Unforgettable Flavor: The gochujang gives the risotto an irresistible sweet, spicy, and smoky kick that you’ll love.
Creamy Comfort: You’ll fall in love with the smooth, creamy texture of the risotto, perfectly balanced with the gooey melted cheese.
Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet appeal, this risotto is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Spicy & Savory: The balance of heat from the gochujang and the savory goodness from the cheese makes each bite a flavor explosion.
One-Pot Meal: Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup easy and stress-free.

Ingredients in Cheesy Gochujang Risotto

This recipe uses simple ingredients, but the magic lies in how they come together.

Arborio Rice: The key to creamy risotto, its starchy texture makes it the perfect base for a luxurious dish.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This brings in savory depth and helps cook the rice to perfection.
Gochujang: The star of the dish, this Korean chili paste adds heat, sweetness, and a rich umami flavor.
Garlic: A fragrant base that adds richness to the dish.
Butter: Adds that luscious, velvety texture to the risotto.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
Heavy Cream: Makes the dish extra indulgent and smooth.
Green Onions: A fresh, mild onion flavor that adds brightness.
Olive Oil: For sautéing.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Sauté Garlic: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Toast the Rice: Add the arborio rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes, letting the rice lightly toast. This step enhances the flavor and helps the rice absorb the liquid better.
Add the Broth: Begin adding the warm chicken or vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until the rice absorbs the liquid before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is tender and creamy, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
Stir in the Gochujang: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the gochujang paste, heavy cream, and butter. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy.
Add the Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the risotto for that perfect cheesy texture.
Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
Serve and Garnish: Spoon the risotto into bowls, top with chopped green onions, and add a little more parmesan if you like. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 52g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 10g
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 8% DV
Potassium: 230mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Gochujang Risotto

With Grilled Chicken: Pair it with grilled chicken for a hearty, satisfying meal.
On Its Own: It’s delicious enough to enjoy as a standalone dish—especially with a fried egg on top!
With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like mushrooms or asparagus complement the creamy risotto beautifully.
Topped with a Fried Egg: For an added indulgence, top with a fried egg and let the runny yolk mix into the creamy risotto.
With a Side Salad: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the risotto.

Additional Tips

Stir Constantly: Stirring the rice frequently helps release its starch, creating the signature creamy risotto texture.
Warm Your Broth: Using warm broth ensures the rice cooks more evenly and doesn’t cool down during the process.
Adjust the Spice: If you like more heat, add extra gochujang; for a milder version, use less.
Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, always opt for freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-grated.
Add Veggies or Protein: You can mix in your favorite veggies or proteins, like grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu, to make the dish even more filling.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this risotto ahead of time?
A1: Risotto is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Q2: Can I use brown rice instead of arborio rice?
A2: Arborio rice is essential for risotto’s creamy texture. Brown rice won’t provide the same result, but it’s still a healthy alternative if you prefer whole grains.

Q3: What can I use if I don’t have gochujang?
A3: If gochujang isn’t available, try substituting with sriracha mixed with a bit of honey or brown sugar for a similar sweet-spicy flavor.

Q4: Is this risotto gluten-free?
A4: Yes, it is! Just be sure to use gluten-free broth and check your parmesan for any hidden gluten.

Q5: Can I freeze leftover risotto?
A5: Freezing risotto is not recommended since it can change the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Q6: Can I make this vegetarian?
A6: Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and skip any meat. You can also add extra veggies to make it heartier.

Q7: How do I make this spicier?
A7: For extra spice, add more gochujang or mix in some chopped fresh chilies to kick up the heat.

Q8: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A8: Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese for a plant-based version.

Q9: What other cheeses can I use besides parmesan?
A9: You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or even cheddar if you want a different cheese profile.

Q10: Can I add more vegetables to the risotto?
A10: Absolutely! Mushrooms, peas, spinach, or roasted bell peppers would be delicious additions.

Conclusion

Cheesy Gochujang Risotto is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings together the creamy goodness of risotto with the spicy, savory depth of gochujang. It’s the perfect meal to indulge in when you want something comforting yet exciting. Plus, it’s simple enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. Give it a try—you’re going to love how the heat and cheese come together in this deliciously creamy dish!

Print