Korean Bulgogi Bolognese: Perfect for Dinner

If you’re looking for a dinner that brings together the bold flavors of Korean cuisine with the rich, savory qualities of traditional Italian cooking, look no further than Korean Bulgogi Bolognese. This unique fusion dish features ground beef simmered in a flavorful sauce that’s a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory. Starting with a base of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery, this dish is enhanced with ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and scallions, which infuse the sauce with Korean-inspired flavors. The addition of mushrooms adds an earthy depth to the dish, while the richness of the sauce pairs wonderfully with egg pasta. Whether you’re looking to try something new or elevate your pasta game, this recipe will not disappoint!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Fusion

The combination of Korean bulgogi and Italian Bolognese sauce creates a unique flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory, offering something different from traditional pasta sauces.

2. Hearty and Filling

With ground beef, vegetables, and pasta, this dish is incredibly filling and comforting, perfect for a satisfying dinner.

3. Rich and Complex Sauce

The slow simmering of the sauce builds layers of flavor, with the sweetness of turbinado sugar and the umami from soy sauce creating a balanced and mouthwatering taste.

4. Easy to Make

Despite its complex flavor profile, the recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

5. Perfect Texture Pairing

The rich, meaty sauce served over egg pasta, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, creates a delightful contrast that enhances both the sauce and the pasta.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 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

Variations

• Spicy Bulgogi Bolognese: Add 1-2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes to the sauce to introduce a bit of heat to the dish.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version of this fusion recipe.
• Mushroom Lovers: If you love mushrooms, add extra chopped mushrooms to enhance the earthy flavor in the sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes as a substitute for the egg pasta.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of safflower or canola oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger

Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir frequently, allowing the beef to brown evenly, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate the Mushrooms and Soy Sauce

Stir in the finely chopped mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to soften. Add the soy sauce, turbinado sugar, and tomato paste, and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water to help thin the sauce if necessary.

Step 7: Combine the Sauce and Pasta

Toss the cooked pasta with the bulgogi bolognese sauce, adding a little pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Stir in the chopped scallions.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the Korean Bulgogi Bolognese topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Simmering: Letting the sauce simmer for a good 15-20 minutes allows all the flavors to meld together and results in a richer, more flavorful sauce.
• Add Pasta Water: Save some of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick. The starch in the water will also help the sauce stick to the pasta.
• Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of turbinado sugar to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more; for a more savory dish, use less.

How to Serve

• Topping: Serve the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or pecorino romano for a sharp, tangy contrast to the rich sauce.
• Garnish: Freshly chopped scallions, cilantro, or basil make excellent garnishes that enhance the flavor.
• Side Dishes: Pair this dish with a light salad, garlic bread, or roasted 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.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Store the sauce separately from the pasta in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding fresh pasta when serving.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the sauce in a pan over low heat until warmed through. You can add a bit of reserved pasta water to rehydrate the sauce if necessary. Toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the bulgogi bolognese sauce ahead of time. Let it cool, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat when ready to serve.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Tagliatelle or pappardelle works best for the rich sauce.

3. Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be substituted for ground beef. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based ground meat or lentils.

4. What if I don’t have turbinado sugar?

You can substitute turbinado sugar with brown sugar or regular granulated sugar.

5. Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, you can add more vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to enhance the dish’s nutrition and flavor.

6. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free (look for tamari).

7. Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, the sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it separately from the pasta.

8. Is this dish spicy?

No, this dish is not spicy, but you can add some gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy version.

9. Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Yes, you can use other mushrooms like cremini or shiitake if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

10. Can I make this recipe without ginger?

Ginger adds a distinct flavor to the dish, but you can omit it if you don’t have it on hand or prefer a milder taste.

Conclusion

Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is a delicious and innovative fusion dish that combines the best of Korean and Italian cuisines. The smoky, sweet, and savory sauce pairs perfectly with hearty pasta, creating a satisfying and unique meal that your family will love. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, this dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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