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Korean Bulgogi Bolognese

Korean Bulgogi Bolognese
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Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is a vibrant fusion dish combining the sweet and savory Korean bulgogi marinade with the rich, hearty Italian Bolognese sauce. This delightful pasta meal balances bold Korean flavors like gochujang and sesame oil with classic tomato-based richness, creating a comforting yet exciting dish perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Marinade

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork (or choice of ground chicken, turkey, tofu, or mushrooms & lentils for vegetarian)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1–2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste), adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (or maple syrup/agave as alternatives)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (plus extra for finishing)

Aromatics and Sauce Base

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup water or broth

Pasta and Garnishes

  • 8 oz spaghetti or tagliatelle (or gluten-free pasta, spiralized vegetables)
  • 2 green onions or scallions, sliced
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds and thin nori strips for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bulgogi Marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar (or honey), minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of sesame oil to create the marinade. Add the ground meat or protein of choice and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to infuse authentic bulgogi flavors.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Meat: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sauté the chopped onions until translucent. Add the marinated meat and cook thoroughly until browned, allowing the marinade to caramelize and add depth to the flavor.
  3. Build the Bolognese Sauce: Stir in tomato paste to the cooked meat and onions. Then add crushed tomatoes and a splash of water or broth to create a thick sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook spaghetti or your preferred pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  5. Combine and Finish: Toss the cooked pasta with the bulgogi Bolognese sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and add a drizzle of sesame oil for a nutty aroma. Garnish with sliced green onions (and optional toasted sesame seeds or nori strips) before serving warm.

Notes

  • Allow ample marinating time for richer bulgogi flavor infusion.
  • Cook the meat over medium-high heat to caramelize sugars for deeper richness.
  • Simmer the sauce slowly to blend sweet and savory components perfectly.
  • Add reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Finish with sesame oil to enhance the dish’s nutty aroma and taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean Bulgogi Bolognese, Korean Italian fusion, bulgogi pasta, spicy Bolognese, gochujang pasta, comfort food fusion

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