Gochujang Pork & Zucchini Bowls
A quick Korean-inspired rice bowl pairs sweet-spicy glazed pork with peak-summer Washington zucchini for a colorful weeknight dinner.
- Total time: 40 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $5
- Calories per serving: 540 cal
- Stovetop
Ingredients
-
Kroger® Fresh Natural Pork Loin Boneless12 oz $2.99
-
Zucchini12 oz $1.79
-
Kroger® Long Grain Rice1/2 cup $4.29
-
Green Onions2 green onions $1.19
-
Garlic1 clove $0.79
-
Organic Ginger Root1 tsp grated $3.99
-
Water1 cup plus 2 tbsp
-
Gochujang1 1/2 tbsp
-
Low-sodium soy sauce1 tbsp
-
Rice vinegar1 tbsp
-
Brown sugar2 tsp
-
Toasted sesame oil1 tsp
-
Neutral cooking oil1 tbsp
-
Kosher salt1/2 tsp
-
Black pepper1/8 tsp
-
Toasted sesame seeds1 tsp
Instructions
Swipe or drag a step aside when it’s done. ↔
-
1.
Pat 12 ounces pork loin dry and slice it across the grain into 1/4-inch strips. Season with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, then let the seasoned pork stand for 10 minutes while you continue preparing the meal.
-
2.
Cut 12 ounces zucchini lengthwise into quarters, then crosswise into 2-inch pieces. Thinly slice 2 green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate.
-
3.
Make the gochujang sauce by whisking together:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 grated garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons water
Set the sauce aside.
-
4.
Rinse 1/2 cup long-grain rice. Combine the rice in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 17 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
-
5.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil, followed by the seasoned pork in one layer. Sear without moving for 2 minutes, then stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until browned but not quite cooked through. Transfer the pork to a clean plate.
-
6.
Add 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil to the same skillet. Add the prepared zucchini and the sliced green onion whites; sear for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the zucchini is browned but still crisp.
-
7.
Return the seared pork and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Pour in the gochujang sauce and cook, tossing constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes, until glossy and the pork reaches 145°F.
-
8.
Fluff the cooked rice and divide it between two shallow bowls. Top with the glazed pork and zucchini, then finish with the sliced green onion greens and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds.
Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling cools the gochujang’s heat while complementing the glaze’s gentle sweetness.