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Korean Bulgogi Bolognese

Korean Bulgogi Bolognese
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Korean Bulgogi Bolognese is a bold and exciting fusion dish that combines the sweet and savory flavors of traditional Korean bulgogi marinade with the hearty, comforting essence of Italian Bolognese sauce. Perfectly balancing sweet, savory, and mildly spicy notes, this versatile dish can be served over pasta, rice, or in wraps, offering a unique culinary adventure that’s easy to make and great for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Marinade

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp grated Asian pear or apple

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes

  • Fresh basil or green onions, sliced
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bulgogi Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and grated Asian pear or apple. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld, forming the sweet and savory base of your sauce.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, developing a sweet, aromatic base.
  3. Brown the Meat: Add ground beef to the sautéed vegetables. Cook, stirring and breaking it apart, until browned and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes, building a hearty texture and rich flavor.
  4. Incorporate Bulgogi Marinade and Tomato Sauce: Pour the prepared bulgogi marinade into the pan with the meat. Stir well to coat evenly. Then add the tomato sauce and a spoonful of gochujang, mixing thoroughly to add mild heat and depth of flavor to the sauce.
  5. Simmer and Develop Flavor: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully and thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Stir in fresh basil or sliced green onions just before serving. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for added nutty crunch and brightness.

Notes

  • Let the bulgogi marinade rest at least 10 minutes for full flavor development.
  • Simmer sauce gently to avoid burning and concentrate flavors.
  • Use fresh ground beef with some fat content for best taste and texture.
  • Grate pear finely and use sparingly to keep sweetness balanced.
  • Adjust gochujang amount to control the mild spiciness of the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean Bulgogi Bolognese, fusion recipe, Korean Italian fusion, bulgogi sauce, Bolognese sauce, ground beef recipe, gochujang, easy dinner, gluten free

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