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 Boneless
    12 oz $2.99
  • Zucchini
    12 oz $1.79
  • Kroger® Long Grain Rice
    1/2 cup $4.29
  • Green Onions
    2 green onions $1.19
  • Garlic
    1 clove $0.79
  • Organic Ginger Root
    1 tsp grated $3.99
  • Water
    1 cup plus 2 tbsp
  • Gochujang
    1 1/2 tbsp
  • Low-sodium soy sauce
    1 tbsp
  • Rice vinegar
    1 tbsp
  • Brown sugar
    2 tsp
  • Toasted sesame oil
    1 tsp
  • Neutral cooking oil
    1 tbsp
  • Kosher salt
    1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper
    1/8 tsp
  • Toasted sesame seeds
    1 tsp

Instructions

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.