SouthernTurk
Unusual recipes for curious cooks.
https://southernturk.com/recipe/klingon-gagh-noodles-with-black-garlic
Printed July 28, 2026
Printed July 28, 2026
Fictional Feasts
Klingon Gagh Noodles with Black Garlic
Live serpent worms are traditional, but these squid ink noodles with fermented black garlic offer a more accessible (and less wriggling) version of this Klingon delicacy.
Ingredients
- 400g fresh squid ink pasta or spaghetti
- 6 cloves fermented black garlic
- 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 4 scallions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1 sheet nori, cut into thin strips
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Preparation
In the Star Trek universe, gagh is a traditional Klingon dish of live serpent worms, best served fresh and wriggling. While authentic gagh is an acquired taste (and difficult to source on Earth), this interpretation captures the dark, striking appearance and the bold, umami-rich flavors that would satisfy any warrior's palate.
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the squid ink pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, mash the fermented black garlic cloves into a paste using a fork.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the black garlic paste, gochugaru, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Immediately toss the hot pasta with the black garlic sauce, adding pasta water as needed to create a glossy coating.
- Add half the scallions and toss again.
- Serve in bowls topped with remaining scallions, sesame seeds, nori strips, and cilantro.
The fermented complexity of black garlic combined with the heat of gochugaru creates a dish that's both primal and sophisticated. Eat it while it's hot—though unlike authentic gagh, it won't try to escape from your plate. Qapla'!
