Description

Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is a vibrant fusion dish blending tender, marinated bulgogi beef with a rich Italian-style tomato sauce. Infused with bold Korean spices like gochujang and balanced with savory aromatics, this flavorful pasta sauce offers a unique, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The sauce clings beautifully to spaghetti or tagliatelle, delivering a well-rounded taste experience that brings together sweet, spicy, and umami notes in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Bulgogi Marinade

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
500g thinly sliced bulgogi beef

Tomato Sauce & Aromatics

1 tablespoon oil (neutral or sesame)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
400g crushed tomatoes or passata
1 additional teaspoon gochujang (optional for spice)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Pasta & Garnishes

350g spaghetti or tagliatelle
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Optional: sliced bell peppers or mushrooms
Optional: toasted sesame seeds
Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Bulgogi Marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and gochujang. Add thinly sliced beef and toss well to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Cook the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, forming a warm flavor base.
Brown the Bulgogi Beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook over medium-high heat until beef is well browned and caramelized, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes and an extra spoonful of gochujang for added heat if desired. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, then reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until thickened and flavors meld.
Cook and Combine Pasta: Meanwhile, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and immediately toss the pasta into the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated with the spicy, savory bulgogi bolognese.

Notes

Marinate the beef overnight for a deeper, richer bulgogi flavor.
Cook beef in batches to avoid steaming and achieve better browning.
Add a splash of fish sauce or anchovy paste to boost umami flavor in the sauce.
Simmer the sauce gently to allow flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken naturally.
Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or green onions just before serving to maintain bright color and fresh aroma.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Korean-Italian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Korean Bulgogi Bolognese, fusion pasta recipe, bulgogi beef pasta, Korean Italian fusion, spicy pasta sauce, gochujang pasta