Introduction
Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and tasty side dish? Gochujang broccoli is the answer! This recipe combines tender broccoli with a sweet and spicy Korean chili paste called gochujang. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect as a side for rice, noodles, or even as a snack. Even beginners can make it in under 20 minutes!
Gochujang gives the broccoli a rich, slightly sweet, and spicy taste that will make you crave more. Plus, broccoli is full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this dish not only delicious but also very healthy. Let’s dive in and learn how to make the best gochujang broccoli at home.
Ingredients – Gochujang Broccoli
Here’s what you need to make this flavorful gochujang broccoli:
For the Broccoli:
- 500g fresh broccoli (cut into florets)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt to taste
For the Gochujang Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce if needed)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Optional: red chili flakes for extra heat
Step by Step Process – Gochujang Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. If you like, you can also peel the thick stems and slice them for a softer texture.
Step 2: Steam or Boil the Broccoli
Steam the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until it’s bright green and slightly tender. If you don’t have a steamer, you can boil it for 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking; the broccoli should still be slightly crunchy.
Step 3: Make the Gochujang Sauce
In a small bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or spiciness according to your preference.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli with Garlic
Heat olive oil or sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the steamed broccoli and stir-fry for 2 minutes so it absorbs the garlic flavor.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Pour the gochujang sauce over the broccoli and toss well to coat evenly. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and sticks to the broccoli.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the gochujang broccoli to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and a few red chili flakes if you want extra heat. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or enjoy it as a snack.
Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | 500g | 170 | 34 | 14 | 2 | 12 |
| Olive/Sesame Oil | 1 tbsp | 120 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| Gochujang | 2 tbsp | 50 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tbsp | 10 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Honey/Maple Syrup | 1 tbsp | 60 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sesame Seeds | 1 tsp | 15 | 1 | 0.5 | 1 | 0.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just steam or boil it until tender before stir-frying with the sauce.
Q2: Is gochujang very spicy?
Gochujang has mild to medium heat with a sweet flavor. You can adjust spiciness by adding less or more chili flakes.
Q3: Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey, and ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
Q4: How long can I store leftover gochujang broccoli?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
Q5: Can I use this as a salad topping?
Yes! Gochujang broccoli works great as a warm topping for salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Gochujang broccoli is an easy, flavorful, and healthy dish that anyone can make. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can turn plain broccoli into a delicious, spicy-sweet treat. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or adding a little Korean flair to your meals.
Give this recipe a try and watch how a simple vegetable can become a superstar on your plate! Don’t forget to adjust the spice and sweetness to your liking, and enjoy this healthy, vibrant, and tasty dish.
