Description
Gochujang Sesame Broccoli is a vibrant Korean-inspired side dish featuring tender blanched broccoli florets tossed in a flavorful and slightly spicy sesame glaze made with gochujang, garlic, and soy sauce. This quick stovetop recipe balances heat, sweetness, and tang, making it a perfect vegan side or a hearty addition to rice and noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
Oils & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
Garnish
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Blanch the broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 1–2 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender. Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly once cooled.
- Prepare the sauce: Heat the sesame oil and neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Combine sauce ingredients: Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and maple syrup. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the ingredients form a smooth, well-blended sauce.
- Toss broccoli with sauce: Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and toss well to coat each floret in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the broccoli to heat through and slightly caramelize, enhancing its flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the glazed broccoli to a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious side dish or over rice or noodles for a complete vegetarian meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your spice preference for a milder or spicier dish.
- This dish works wonderfully as a side or served as a main over rice or noodles for a quick vegan meal.
- Using an ice bath after blanching helps maintain the vibrant green color and crisp texture of the broccoli.
- Neutral oil options like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil work best to complement the sesame oil without overpowering the flavor.