Gochugaru Pork & Napa Rice Bowls
Ginger-garlic pork and sweet November napa cabbage make a quick Korean-inspired rice bowl, with gochugaru adding gentle warmth and toasted sesame bringing a nutty finish.
This recipe may need another look before cooking.
It scored 7/10, below our 8/10 retry mark.
- Total time: 55 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $8
- Calories per serving: 790 cal
- Stovetop
Ingredients
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Ground pork12 ounces $5.99
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Organic napa cabbage1 pound $2.29
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Organic long-grain brown rice1/2 cup dry $4.49
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Organic young ginger root1 tablespoon finely grated, about 1/2 ounce $15.99
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Organic garlic3 cloves $6.99
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Green onions2 stalks $0.99
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Fine sea salt7/8 teaspoon, divided
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Reduced-sodium soy sauce1 tablespoon
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Unseasoned rice vinegar1 tablespoon
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Gochugaru1 teaspoon
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Honey1 teaspoon
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Toasted sesame oil1 teaspoon
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Neutral cooking oil1 tablespoon, divided
Instructions
Swipe a step aside or click its number when itβs done.
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Rinse 1/2 cup dry brown rice. Combine it with 1 1/4 cups water and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer gently for 40β45 minutes, until tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Prepare the stir-fry while the rice cooks.
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Cut 1 pound napa cabbage into bite-size pieces, keeping the thick white stems separate from the leafy tops. Rinse and dry thoroughly so it stir-fries rather than steams.
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Finely grate enough young ginger to measure 1 tablespoon. Mince 3 garlic cloves. Thinly slice 2 green onions, separating the white and green parts.
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Gently mix 12 ounces ground pork with 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Set aside while you prepare the sauce; the soy sauce will provide additional seasoning.
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Stir together the sauce in a small bowl:
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon gochugaru
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
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About 15 minutes before the rice will be ready, heat a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil and the seasoned pork. Press it into an even layer and leave undisturbed for 2 minutes, then break into small pieces and cook for another 3β4 minutes. Add the prepared ginger, garlic, and green onion whites; stir-fry for 1 minute. The pork should reach 160Β°F. Transfer the pork mixture to a bowl.
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Add the remaining 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil to the skillet. Add the prepared cabbage stems and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add the prepared cabbage leaves and stir-fry for another 2β3 minutes, until wilted but still slightly crisp.
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Return the pork mixture to the skillet and add the sauce. Toss over medium-high heat for 1β2 minutes, until glossy and hot, allowing excess liquid to evaporate rather than covering the pan.
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Fluff the cooked rice and divide between two bowls. Spoon the pork and cabbage over the rice, finish with the prepared green onion tops, and serve.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Drink pairing: Cold barley tea complements the sesame and ginger without amplifying the chile heat.