Name: Korean Bulgogi Bolognese: Perfect for Dinner
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion (Korean-Italian)
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

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Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is a unique and flavorful fusion dish that combines the smoky, savory essence of Korean bulgogi with the hearty richness of Italian Bolognese sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or any occasion where you want to offer something a little different yet comforting. The ground beef is simmered in a flavorful sauce made with a medley of fresh vegetables, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sweet-tasting turbinado sugar. The result is a delicious balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that pair wonderfully with egg pasta. With the addition of mushrooms and scallions, this dish offers layers of flavor and texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of Korean bulgogi and Italian Bolognese gives you the best of both worlds, with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that are both familiar and exciting.
Hearty and Satisfying: With its rich and meaty sauce, this dish is filling and comforting, making it perfect for dinner.
Quick and Easy: Despite its complex flavor, this dish comes together quickly in about 45 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Perfect for Pasta Lovers: The sauce pairs beautifully with egg pasta, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, giving you a rich, creamy mouthfeel.
Great for Meal Prep: This recipe makes enough for six servings, making it ideal for meal prepping or feeding a family. Leftovers can be enjoyed the next day!

Ingredients

Finely chopped onion
Finely chopped carrot
Finely chopped celery
Garlic cloves (minced)
Minced ginger
Tomato paste
Ground beef
White button mushrooms (finely chopped)
Scallions (finely chopped)
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: Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat (or lentils) to create a vegetarian version of this dish.
Spicy Bulgogi Bolognese: Add some Korean chili paste (gochujang) or chili flakes to the sauce to spice things up.
Mushroom Lovers: Increase the amount of mushrooms to add more depth of flavor and texture.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by finely chopping the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the safflower or canola oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste, soy sauce, and turbinado sugar. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms have softened and released their moisture.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. As the sauce cooks, it will thicken and develop rich, flavorful layers.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg pasta according to the package directions. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain and set aside.

Step 7: Serve

Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated. Serve the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and extra scallions if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Cooking: Chop the vegetables as uniformly as possible to ensure even cooking.
Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of turbinado sugar depending on your preference for sweetness. You can also substitute it with brown sugar if needed.
Browning the Beef: Make sure to brown the beef properly for a deep, rich flavor. Don’t rush this step!
Pasta Choice: For the best texture, choose a hearty pasta like tagliatelle or pappardelle that can hold up to the rich sauce.

How to Serve

Family Dinner: Serve this dish on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley or extra scallions, for a family-style dinner.
With a Salad: Pair this dish with a light salad of mixed greens or a simple arugula salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
As a Meal Prep: This recipe makes six servings, perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Korean Bulgogi Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the sauce (without the pasta) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and simmer on the stovetop until warmed through, then serve with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers by gently warming the sauce in a skillet or saucepan. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Once heated, toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best result.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for a leaner version of this dish, though the flavor will be slightly different.
What other types of pasta can I use?
Any hearty pasta such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or pappardelle would work well with this sauce.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely! Adjust the sugar to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, use less turbinado sugar or even skip it altogether.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of minced ginger?
Yes, fresh ginger is preferred for its bright, aromatic flavor. Just peel and mince it before adding it to the sauce.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe isn’t very spicy. However, if you prefer more heat, you can add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or some chili flakes to taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, the sauce freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
White button mushrooms are ideal for this recipe, but you can experiment with other types like cremini or shiitake for different flavors.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pair this dish with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the sauce.

Conclusion

Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is a mouthwatering fusion of flavors that brings together the best of Korean and Italian cuisines. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its rich sauce, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked egg pasta, it’s a meal everyone will love. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or just enjoy a satisfying dinner, this recipe is a must-try!