Description
This quick and bold Asian-inspired side dish features tender broccoli florets tossed in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a healthy, flavorful way to jazz up any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound broccoli florets (about 450g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, canola, or grapeseed)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 1–2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
- 2–3 tablespoons water (for steaming)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the broccoli. Cut into bite-sized florets. Peel and slice stems if using.
- In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. If the sauce is very thick, add a teaspoon of water.
- Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 20-30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to coat with garlic oil, then spread into a single layer. Let cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to brown.
- Pour in 2-3 tablespoons water. Cover and steam for 2 minutes until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
- Remove lid. Pour gochujang sauce over broccoli and toss to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until sauce thickens and clings to broccoli.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if using.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
For vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos and check your gochujang label. Don’t overcrowd the pan for best browning. Adjust gochujang to taste for spice level. Add extra veggies or protein as desired. Roasting variation: toss broccoli and sauce, roast at 425°F for 15-18 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Asian, Korean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup cooked broccoli
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 3
Keywords: gochujang broccoli, spicy broccoli, Asian side dish, Korean broccoli, vegetarian, vegan option, quick broccoli recipe, healthy side, easy gochujang recipe