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Korean Bulgogi Bolognese

Korean Bulgogi Bolognese
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Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is a quick and flavorful fusion dish combining the sweet and savory spices of Korean bulgogi with the hearty richness of classic Italian Bolognese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients accented with Korean essentials like gochujang and sesame oil. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this versatile pasta sauce brings a unique umami-packed twist to your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork

Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 medium onion, diced

Marinade and Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Korean gochujang paste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (plus more for finishing)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or additional sesame oil for sautéing

Garnish and Serving

  • 2–3 fresh green onions, thinly sliced
  • Spaghetti or your favorite pasta (about 8 oz)
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bulgogi Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon gochujang paste, 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a drizzle of sesame oil. This marinade is the flavor powerhouse that will infuse your meat with that iconic bulgogi taste.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. These aromatics build the base flavor for your sauce.
  3. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or pork to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until fully browned with no pink spots, allowing the meat to soak up the bulgogi marinade as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Add the Sauce Components: Pour in 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, then stir in the pre-mixed bulgogi marinade. Let everything simmer gently on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
  5. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti or chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce.
  6. Combine and Serve: Mix the cooked pasta into the simmering sauce, tossing well to coat every strand. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Finish with a light drizzle of sesame oil and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and optional toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate the ground meat for 20 minutes before cooking for even richer flavor.
  • Keep the sauce at a low simmer to develop a deep, complex taste.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for brighter and bolder flavors.
  • Cook pasta al dente to complement the savory sauce texture perfectly.
  • Adjust spice level by increasing gochujang or adding red pepper flakes.
  • Substitute tamari for soy sauce and gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
  • Try swapping proteins or adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for customization.
  • Sprinkle parmesan or mozzarella cheese for a cheesy fusion twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean Bulgogi Bolognese, fusion pasta, bulgogi sauce, Korean Italian recipe, weeknight dinner, quick pasta recipe, umami pasta, gochujang pasta sauce

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/korean-bulgogi-bolognese/