Gochujang Buttered Noodles

🥘 Ingredients

• spaghetti or other long pasta 1 pound
• unsalted butter 6 Tbsp
• garlic 12 cloves
• salt
• pepper
• gochujang paste ¼ cup
• honey ¼ cup
• sherry vinegar or rice vinegar ¼ cup
• salt
• pepper
• cilantro
• scallions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or other long pasta and cook according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water. Drain the spaghetti and return to its pot.
2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter (divided) in a skillet over medium-low. Add the finely chopped garlic (about 1/3 cup) and season generously with salt and pepper . Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic starts to soften but not brown, 1 to 3 minutes .
3. 3

   Stir in the gochujang paste , honey and sherry vinegar or rice vinegar , and bring to a simmer over medium-high. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reduces significantly, 3 to 4 minutes ; when you drag a spatula across the bottom of the skillet, it should leave behind a trail that stays put for about 3 seconds. Remove from the heat.
4. 4

   Transfer the sauce to the pot with the spaghetti and add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Vigorously stir until the butter melts. Add splashes of the pasta cooking water, as needed, to thin out the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper . Top with the cilantro or scallions (if using) and serve immediately.