Gochujang Chocolate Lava Cakes with Candied Ginger Shards

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the candied ginger shards: Peel and thinly slice the fresh ginger. In a small saucepan, combine 50g granulated sugar and 50ml water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add the ginger slices and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the ginger is translucent and the syrup has thickened.

   ~20 min
2. 2

   Drain the ginger slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once cool enough to handle, break them into small, shard-like pieces. If the syrup is still warm and slightly sticky, you can use it to coat the shards for extra shine. You may need to use a kitchen torch briefly to slightly caramelize and harden the shards, be careful not to burn.

   ~5 min
3. 3

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour six 4-oz ramekins or a muffin tin. Line the bottoms with parchment paper if using ramekins.

   ~5 min
4. 4

   Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

   ~5 min
5. 5

   In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs and 100g granulated sugar until pale and slightly thickened. Stir in the gochujang and vanilla extract until well combined. The gochujang might be clumpy at first, but keep whisking.

   ~5 min
6. 6

   Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Then, carefully fold in the flour until just combined. Do not overmix.

   ~3 min
7. 7

   Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins or muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

   ~2 min
8. 8

   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still soft and molten. Baking time will vary depending on your oven and the size of your ramekins.

   ~15 min
9. 9

   Let the lava cakes cool in the ramekins for about 1-2 minutes before inverting them onto serving plates. If using a muffin tin, you might need to carefully loosen the edges with a knife. Alternatively, you can serve them directly from the ramekins.

   ~2 min
10. 10

    Immediately top the warm lava cakes with the candied ginger shards. Serve hot.