Save to Pinterest Korean BBQ Beef Bowtie Pasta is a savory-sweet fusion dish featuring ground beef caramelized in a Korean-style soy-garlic-brown sugar glaze, tossed with bowtie pasta, toasted sesame seeds, and scallions. Quick, punchy, and deeply satisfying.
I first made this when craving comfort but with extra punchy Korean-inspired notes. Bowtie pasta and the sweet-savory glaze became a weeknight favorite in our fusion-loving kitchen.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Beef: 300 g (10 oz) farfalle (bowtie) pasta, 400 g (14 oz) ground beef, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Korean BBQ Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, ½ tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Garnish: 2 green onions (thinly sliced), 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil farfalle in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef:
- In a large skillet, heat oil and sauté garlic. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Make the sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. Add to the beef. Simmer 2–3 minutes. For a thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy.
- Combine with pasta:
- Toss cooked pasta into the beef mixture. Stir to coat well.
- Serve:
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes if desired.
Save to Pinterest Whenever I make this, my family gathers quickly at the table for second helpings. Leftovers disappear by lunch the next day.
Required Tools
Pot for cooking pasta, skillet for beef and sauce, mixing bowl for whisking the glaze.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: approximately 540. Total fat: 24 g. Carbohydrates: 45 g. Protein: 30 g.
Category, Difficulty & Yield
Main dish with easy prep. Yields 4 servings and fits fusion flavors.
Save to Pinterest Serve warm, topped generously with sesame seeds and scallions for the full experience. Enjoy flavor-packed leftovers the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, any short pasta works well. Penne, rotini, or shells all pair nicely with the flavorful beef sauce.
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
Swap bowtie pasta for gluten-free noodles and replace soy sauce with tamari. Enjoy the same delicious results.
- → Is it possible to substitute the beef?
Ground turkey or plant-based alternatives work just as well, maintaining great texture and savory notes.
- → What can I add for extra texture?
Try sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These veggies add crunch and vibrant color.
- → Does it keep well for meal prep?
Absolutely! Flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more tasty the next day.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The base is mild, but adding chili flakes as a garnish introduces a customizable kick.