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.

  • Total time: 55 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $8
  • Calories per serving: 790 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Ground pork
    12 ounces $5.99
  • Organic napa cabbage
    1 pound $2.29
  • Organic long-grain brown rice
    1/2 cup dry $4.49
  • Organic young ginger root
    1 tablespoon finely grated, about 1/2 ounce $15.99
  • Organic garlic
    3 cloves $6.99
  • Green onions
    2 stalks $0.99
  • Fine sea salt
    7/8 teaspoon, divided
  • Reduced-sodium soy sauce
    1 tablespoon
  • Unseasoned rice vinegar
    1 tablespoon
  • Gochugaru
    1 teaspoon
  • Honey
    1 teaspoon
  • Toasted sesame oil
    1 teaspoon
  • Neutral cooking oil
    1 tablespoon, divided

Instructions

  1. 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 40–45 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Finely grate enough young ginger to measure 1 tablespoon. Mince 3 garlic cloves. Thinly slice 2 green onions, separating the white and green parts.

  4. 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.

  5. 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
  6. 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 3–4 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.

  7. 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 2–3 minutes, until wilted but still slightly crisp.

  8. Return the pork mixture to the skillet and add the sauce. Toss over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes, until glossy and hot, allowing excess liquid to evaporate rather than covering the pan.

  9. 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.

Drink pairing: Cold barley tea complements the sesame and ginger without amplifying the chile heat.