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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
