Korean Bulgogi Spaghetti — East meets West in this unexpected, umami-packed mashup! 🍝🔥🥢 Sweet, savory bulgogi beef meets twirl-worthy spaghetti in a garlicky, soy-sesame glaze. Think of it as Korean BBQ with an Italian pasta twist — comforting, bold, and just a little bit addictive.
🍝 Korean Bulgogi Spaghetti
Ingredients (serves 4):
For the Bulgogi Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp mirin (or rice vinegar)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tsp gochujang (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions, chopped (save some for garnish)
For the Spaghetti:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for finishing)
- Optional: sesame seeds, extra green onions, or chili flakes for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Bulgogi Sauce & Beef:
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, mirin, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and gochujang if using.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Pour in the sauce and stir to coat. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Stir in chopped green onions.
- Combine with Spaghetti:
- In a large pan or the same skillet, melt the butter and add garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat in the butter and garlic.
- Pour in the bulgogi beef mixture and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil.
- Serve:
- Plate and top with extra green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes if desired.
🛎️ Serving Ideas:
- Add a soft-boiled egg or fried egg on top for richness.
- Serve with kimchi or a cucumber salad on the side to balance the sweet-savory flavors.
💡 Pro Tips:
- Want it vegetarian? Use mushrooms or tofu instead of beef.
- Like it extra spicy? Add more gochujang or a splash of chili oil at the end.
Imagine a glossy plate of noodles with caramelized beef and that hint of smoky sweetness… Ready to turn this fusion classic into a viral reel? Just say the vibe you’re going for (chill, hype, aesthetic), and I’ll cook up the perfect caption!
