These quick Korean-inspired rice bowls pair spicy-sweet seared chicken with a cool, tangy cucumber salad for a fresh July dinner.
Total time: 35 minutes
Estimated cost: About $6–$8 for 2 servings
Health notes: Approximately 560 calories per serving, with about 42 grams of protein, moderate carbohydrates, and a serving of fresh vegetables.
Drink pairing: A chilled Riesling balances the gochujang’s heat and the cucumber’s tang.
Details
Ingredients
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Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Cage Free Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets12 ounces $2.99
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Cucumber1 large $0.89
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Kroger® Jasmine Rice1/2 cup dry $3.89
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Green Onions2 green onions $1.19
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Garlic2 cloves $0.79
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Organic Ginger Root1 teaspoon grated $3.99
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Water3/4 cup
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Gochujang2 tablespoons
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Low-sodium soy sauce2 tablespoons
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Rice vinegar2 tablespoons
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Honey1 tablespoon
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Toasted sesame oil2 teaspoons
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Neutral cooking oil1 tablespoon
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Kosher salt1/4 teaspoon
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Sesame seeds1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Thinly slice 1 large cucumber, cut 12 ounces chicken breast fillets into 1-inch pieces, mince 2 garlic cloves, grate 1 teaspoon ginger, and thinly slice 2 green onions, keeping the green onions separated.
- Rinse 1/2 cup dry jasmine rice, then combine it with 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes; remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Toss 1 sliced cucumber with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 sliced green onion; refrigerate while the chicken cooks.
- Mix 2 tablespoons gochujang, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger in a bowl. Add 12 ounces chicken pieces, coat thoroughly, and marinate for 10 minutes while the rice cooks.
- Heat 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add all 12 ounces marinated chicken in one layer and sear for 7–9 minutes, turning occasionally, until caramelized and the thickest pieces reach 165°F.
- Divide the cooked rice made from 1/2 cup dry jasmine rice between 2 bowls. Top with all 12 ounces cooked chicken and the cucumber salad made from 1 large cucumber, then garnish with 1 sliced green onion and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds before serving.