Gochujang Pork & Zucchini Bowls
A fast Korean-inspired rice bowl with savory-spicy ground pork and peak-season Washington zucchini in a glossy gochujang sauce.
Ingredients
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Ground Pork8 oz $2.99
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Zucchini12 oz $1.79
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Dynasty® Jasmine Rice1/2 cup dry $3.69
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Water2/3 cup
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Green Onions2 $1.19
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Garlic2 cloves
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Fresh ginger2 teaspoons grated
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Gochujang1 1/2 tablespoons
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Low-sodium soy sauce1 1/2 tablespoons
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Rice vinegar2 teaspoons
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Honey2 teaspoons
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Toasted sesame oil1 teaspoon
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Neutral cooking oil2 teaspoons
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Sesame seeds1 teaspoon
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Charles Smith Wines Kungfu Girl Riesling Washington White Wine1 bottle $12.99
Instructions
- Rinse 1/2 cup dry jasmine rice. Combine the 1/2 cup rinsed jasmine rice and 2/3 cup water in a small saucepan, bring to a boil, cover, and cook over low heat for 15 minutes; remove from the heat and rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- While the rice cooks, slice 12 ounces zucchini into 1/2-inch half-moons, mince 2 cloves garlic, grate 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, and thinly slice 2 green onions. Whisk together 1 1/2 tablespoons gochujang, 1 1/2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil.
- Heat 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 12 ounces sliced zucchini and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until browned but still crisp; transfer the 12 ounces zucchini to a plate.
- Add 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil and 8 ounces ground pork to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking the 8 ounces ground pork into small pieces, until browned and it reaches 160°F; add the 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 teaspoons grated ginger, then cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour the prepared gochujang sauce into the skillet and return the 12 ounces cooked zucchini. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, until the sauce is glossy and coats the pork and zucchini.
- Divide the rice cooked from 1/2 cup dry jasmine rice between two bowls, spoon the stir-fry over it, and finish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds.
Total time: 35 minutes
Estimated cost: About $8–$11 for 2 servings
Health notes: Approximately 620 calories per serving, with about 27 grams of protein and a generous serving of zucchini.
Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling cools the gochujang heat and complements the sweet-savory pork.
Wine picks:
- Charles Smith Wines Kungfu Girl Riesling Washington White Wine $12.99 1 bottle
- Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling $8.99 1 bottle
Why it works: The dish’s gochujang heat, honeyed glaze, ginger, and sesame call for refreshing acidity with a touch of sweetness. Kung Fu Girl offers a lively, aromatic Washington Riesling that cools the spice without overwhelming the pork; the sweeter Pacific Rim is an especially friendly alternative if the sauce is generously spicy.