If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy side dish, look no further than Easy Gochujang Broccoli! This recipe takes the humble broccoli and transforms it into a spicy, tangy dish that’s bursting with flavor, thanks to the addition of gochujang, a Korean fermented chili paste.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a side to your favorite protein or enjoying it as a vegetarian main dish, this Gochujang Broccoli is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Gochujang Broccoli:
- Flavorful and Spicy: The gochujang adds a perfect balance of heat and umami, making this broccoli dish anything but ordinary.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Broccoli is loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Adjust the level of spice to your liking, and add extra toppings like sesame seeds or scallions for added texture.
Ingredients for Easy Gochujang Broccoli:
To make this spicy broccoli dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (for tang)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
How to Make Easy Gochujang Broccoli:
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Begin by cutting the broccoli into small florets, making sure they’re uniform in size for even cooking. Wash and dry the broccoli thoroughly to remove any excess moisture.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the broccoli to be tender yet slightly crispy on the edges. If you prefer your broccoli softer, you can cook it a little longer.
Step 3: Make the Gochujang Sauce
While the broccoli is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor if needed—add more honey for sweetness or more gochujang for heat.
Step 4: Toss the Broccoli in the Sauce
Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, pour the gochujang sauce over the broccoli in the skillet. Stir to coat the broccoli evenly, making sure all the florets are covered with the delicious sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the broccoli to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture. If you like more heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Gochujang Broccoli:
- Adjust the Spice Level: Gochujang can vary in heat depending on the brand, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of gochujang or mix it with some ketchup.
- Add Extra Veggies: You can easily add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the dish to make it even more colorful and nutritious.
- Make it Vegan: To keep this dish vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey and make sure the soy sauce is gluten-free.
- Serve with Rice or Protein: This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, or your favorite protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
Health Benefits:
This Easy Gochujang Broccoli is more than just delicious—it’s packed with nutrition. Here’s what makes this dish so good for you:
- Broccoli: High in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, broccoli supports your immune system, bone health, and digestion.
- Gochujang: Rich in capsaicin, gochujang has anti-inflammatory properties and may help boost metabolism.
- Sesame Oil: Contains heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.
- Honey: Offers a natural source of sweetness and provides some antioxidants.
Per Serving (1/4 of the recipe):
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: In just 20 minutes, you can make a flavorful, healthy side dish.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of gochujang, sesame oil, and honey creates the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory.
- Healthy: With a base of nutritious broccoli, this dish is full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add toppings, or serve it with your favorite protein.
FAQ:
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
2. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) instead of regular soy sauce, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat to maintain the texture.
5. What can I serve this with?
This Gochujang Broccoli pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or as a side dish to grilled chicken, tofu, or even seafood.
Conclusion:
This Easy Gochujang Broccoli recipe is the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and sweet. With minimal ingredients and prep time, it’s a simple and flavorful side dish that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or serving it with rice and protein, it’s a delicious and healthy addition to your meal rotation.
