Creamy Gochujang Orzo with Textured Soy Protein

Are you craving something uniquely delicious, effortlessly vegan, and packed with flavors that dance on your palate? This Creamy Gochujang Orzo is for you!

It’s a perfect blend of Italian and Korean cuisines, making it a one-pot delight that is quick to whip up and perfect for weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Magic: Say goodbye to piles of dishes! This recipe requires just one pot for a hassle-free cooking experience.
• Nutrient-Packed: With textured soy protein and optional greens, this dish is rich in protein and fiber, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Flavor Fusion: The spicy, umami-packed gochujang pairs wonderfully with the creamy orzo, offering a taste sensation that’s sure to impress.
• Plant-based goodness: Dairy-free and loaded with plant-based yums, this dish caters to vegans, those with a dairy allergy, and anyone looking to reduce their meat intake.

Ingredients at a Glance

• Orzo Pasta
• Olive Oil
• Aromatics: Shallots or Onion & Garlic
• Gochujang (sub with any other hot sauce that you have at hand. If you are using something like Sriracha then use it later in the recipe because they don’t need to be cooked.)
• Textured Soy Protein (TSP)
• Diced Tomatoes
• Vegetable Broth
• Plant-Based Cream: Blend 1/2 cup of cashews with 1/4 cup water (or more depending on your blender and cashews)
• Optional Greens (Spinach or Kale)
• Garnishes: Green Onions & Sesame Seeds

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Start by rehydrating the textured soy protein and chopping your veggies.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, cook the onion and garlic until fragrant, setting the stage for flavors.
3. Unleash the Gochujang: Stir in the gochujang for a deep, rich flavor base.
4. Combine TSP & Tomatoes: Add the protein and tomatoes, mixing well to ensure even cooking.
5. Orzo & Broth: Introduce the orzo and broth, cooking until the pasta is perfectly tender.
6. Creaminess Unveiled: Stir in the plant-based cream and greens for a lush, creamy texture.
7. Garnish & Serve: Top with green onions and sesame seeds for an extra flavor and texture kick.

Why It’s a Must-Try

This Creamy Gochujang Orzo recipe is one of those 1-pot dishes that tastes like you’d pay for it at a restaurant! It’s that good. It’s also a well balanced meal with tomatoes, orzo and plant-based protein. You can also add some veggies on the side to make it more balanced.

Perfect Pairings with this Creamy Gochujang Orzo

Serve this creamy orzo with a side of kimchi for an added Korean flair, or complement it with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. And, for those who enjoy a bit of crunch, a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds can add the perfect finishing touch.

Other recipes from the blog that you might like:

• Spicy Creamy Pasta with Silken Tofu
• Vegan Butternut Squash Risotto – With Sage Chili Oil

Creamy Gochujang Orzo With Textured Soy Protein

This one-pot Creamy Gochujang Orzo delight combines the spicy depth of gochujang with creamy orzo and hearty textured soy protein for a vegan dish that's both comforting and bold. Ready in under 35 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight meal!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine European, Fusion, Italian, Korean

Servings 4

Calories 345 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion or 2 large shallots thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons gochujang paste adjust based on spice preference
• 1 cup textured soy protein TSP, rehydrated according to package instructions
• 1/2 can 7 oz diced tomatoes, with juice
• 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup plant-based cream such as cashew cream or soy cream for a richer, creamier flavor and texture or any other plant-based cream you prefer
• 1 cup spinach or kale chopped (optional for added greens)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Chili oil
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 green onions chopped

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Textured Soy Protein: Rehydrate the textured soy protein according to the package's instructions, then drain any excess water and set aside.
• Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Incorporate Gochujang: Stir in the gochujang paste, mixing well with the onions and garlic. Allow the paste to cook for a minute with the aromatics to enhance its flavors.
• Add the TSP and Tomatoes: Add the rehydrated textured soy protein and diced tomatoes with their juice to the pot. Stir well to combine.
• Add Orzo and Vegetable Broth: Pour in the orzo and vegetable broth. Stir to ensure the orzo is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
• Mix in Plant-Based Cream and Greens: Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the plant-based cream and the chopped spinach or kale (if using), until well combined. The heat will help wilt the greens. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the dish reaches a creamy consistency. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Serve the creamy gochujang orzo garnished with chili oil, fresh basil leaves or chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 portionCalories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 17gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 622mgPotassium: 262mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1097IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 106mgIron: 4mg

Keyword Gochujang Orzo

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