Name: Korean Bulgogi Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion (Korean-American)
Ingredients: 1 cup finely chopped onion; 1 cup finely chopped carrot; 1 cup finely chopped celery; 7 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons peeled minced ginger; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 pound ground beef; 4 ounces white button mushrooms, finely chopped (about 2 cups); ¾ cup finely chopped scallions; ¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup turbinado sugar; Kosher salt and black pepper to taste; 12 ounces dried egg pasta (tagliatelle or pappardelle); 2 tablespoons safflower or canola oil; Freshly grated Parmesan for serving

Jump to Recipe

Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is a unique and flavorful fusion dish that combines the smoky, umami-packed flavors of Korean bulgogi with the hearty, comforting richness of Italian Bolognese sauce. This dish offers an exciting twist on the traditional Bolognese by incorporating a combination of fresh ingredients such as ginger, soy sauce, and mushrooms, which give the sauce a deep and complex flavor profile. The ground beef is slowly simmered with aromatic vegetables, including onions, carrots, and celery, while the addition of soy sauce and sugar balances sweet and savory notes. As it all cooks together, the result is a mouthwatering sauce with layers of flavor, perfect for serving over egg pasta like tagliatelle or pappardelle. This recipe delivers an ideal harmony between Asian and Italian cuisines, creating a dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with loved ones. Whether you’re a fan of Korean food or Italian classics, this Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Fusion of Flavors

Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is a creative combination of two beloved dishes—Korean bulgogi and Italian Bolognese sauce. The sweet, salty, and savory flavors from soy sauce, ginger, and turbinado sugar bring something new to your dinner table.

2. Easy to Prepare

Despite the layers of flavor, this recipe is straightforward to make, with a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes. You can have a delicious, satisfying meal in under an hour.

3. Perfect for Pasta Lovers

This recipe pairs perfectly with hearty egg pasta such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, creating a rich contrast between the pasta’s texture and the depth of the sauce.

4. Balanced Ingredients

The use of fresh vegetables, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce enhances the overall taste, while the addition of mushrooms deepens the sauce’s umami flavor, creating a harmonious dish.

5. Versatile and Customizable

This recipe allows room for customization, making it easy to adapt to your tastes by adjusting the level of sweetness, spice, or even by adding additional vegetables or proteins.

Ingredients

Finely chopped onion
Finely chopped carrot
Finely chopped celery
Minced garlic
Minced ginger
Tomato paste
Ground beef
Finely chopped white button mushrooms
Finely chopped scallions
Low-sodium soy sauce
Turbinado sugar
Kosher salt and black pepper
Dried egg pasta (tagliatelle or pappardelle)
Safflower or canola oil
Freshly grated Parmesan (for serving)

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein such as lentils, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat.
Spicy Version: Add a few teaspoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Mushroom-Free: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can skip them and replace them with finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini for added texture.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if you are avoiding gluten.
Noodles Alternative: For a lighter option, serve the sauce over spiralized zucchini or rice noodles.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the mushrooms and scallions.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the safflower or canola oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger

Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.

Step 5: Incorporate the Mushrooms and Seasonings

Add the finely chopped mushrooms to the skillet, and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture. Stir in the soy sauce, turbinado sugar, and tomato paste, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce

Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta cooking water.

Step 8: Combine the Sauce and Pasta

Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 9: Serve

Serve the Korean Bulgogi Bolognese with freshly grated Parmesan on top, and garnish with extra scallions, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing the vegetables or browning the ground beef, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they cook evenly.
Simmer for Flavor Depth: Allow the sauce to simmer slowly to deepen the flavors. The longer it cooks, the more the ingredients will meld together.
Taste as You Go: Since soy sauce can vary in saltiness, make sure to taste the sauce before adding more salt. Adjust according to your preference.
Use a Wide Skillet: A large, wide skillet or pan helps ensure that the ingredients cook evenly and gives enough room for stirring.

How to Serve

Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is best served over wide, hearty egg pasta like tagliatelle or pappardelle. For an added touch, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh scallions. Pair the dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Korean Bulgogi Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed. Reheat the pasta separately and combine just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or soy-based crumbles.

2. What can I use if I don’t have safflower or canola oil?

You can substitute safflower or canola oil with vegetable oil, olive oil, or any neutral cooking oil.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, though wider noodles like pappardelle or tagliatelle work best for the hearty sauce.

4. How spicy is this dish?

This recipe isn’t inherently spicy but can be adjusted by adding gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer heat.

5. Is this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free unless you use gluten-free pasta. Be sure to substitute the pasta if necessary.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to customize the dish further.

7. How do I get the best flavor from the mushrooms?

Allow the mushrooms to cook until they release their moisture and develop a rich, savory flavor. Don’t rush this step for the best result.

8. Can I use fresh ginger instead of minced?

Yes, fresh ginger is ideal for the best flavor, but you can use ground ginger if fresh isn’t available.

9. How long will this dish last in the refrigerator?

This dish will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

10. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for later use.

Conclusion

Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is a delightful fusion of two world cuisines that creates an exciting and satisfying dish. With its rich flavors, savory sauce, and hearty pasta, this recipe brings new life to your weeknight dinners. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re craving the smoky depth of bulgogi or the comforting flavors of Bolognese, this dish combines the best of both worlds, making it a must-try for any home cook!