| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 10g | 2g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 4g | 12g | 1.5g |
Why I Love South Korean Vegetarian Stir-Fried Rice
Growing up in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, I remember my father introducing me to a multitude of cuisines. One of them was Korean food that he had first tasted during a business trip. The South Korean recipe of Vegetarian Stir-Fried Rice was among the first dishes he shared with me. This dish evokes the unique blend of flavors intrinsic to Korean cooking and can be easily prepared at home or even while camping in the mountains. It’s a versatile dish that’s both hearty and light, perfect after a long hike or just for a cozy dinner.
A Tribute to Versatile Korean Cooking
The Vegetarian Stir-Fried Rice is a testament to the versatility of Korean cuisine. This recipe combines rich flavors and an assortment of vegetables in a harmonious blend. It’s not surprising that my tastebuds were captivated by the ingenuity of this cuisine. This dish is particularly significant to me because it emphasizes plant-based ingredients – a rarity among my recipes that are generally centered around game meats and trout, inspired by my Colorado upbringing.
Recipe Inspiration: Chef Maangchi
I owe a significant chunk of my knowledge about Korean cooking to culinary guru Maangchi. Her mastery of the cuisine and the ease with which she explains complicated steps were instrumental in helping me craft this beautiful Vegetarian Stir-Fried Rice.
A Perfect Partner to Hearty Entreés
Although delicious on its own, this South Korean Stir-Fried Rice is exceptional when paired with other Korean delicacies such as Dakjjim (Korean Braised Chicken) or Gochu Jangguk (Green Chili Soup). Just as with my game meat recipes, creating a well-balanced meal involves having a combination of flavors on the plate. This Stir-Fried Rice does its part, helping balance the strong and spicy flavors of other dishes with its mild and sweet taste.
In conclusion, my love for this South Korean Vegetarian Stir-Fried Rice recipe comes from an appreciation of its flavors, versatility, cultural significance, and its ability to complement other dishes within the cuisine. The blend of classic Korean ingredients such as Gochujang (Korean chili paste) and the mix of fresh produce deliver a vibrant dish that’s not just pleasing to the palate but also nutritious and filling, making it a perfect meal for anyone who enjoys a hearty, flavorful dish.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of cooked jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup of chopped mushrooms
- 2 cups of shredded napa cabbage
- 1 block of tofu, drained and cubed
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Method
Step One
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté them until the onion becomes soft and starts to turn golden, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step Two
Add the chopped carrot, bell peppers, mushrooms, and tofu to the pan. Stir-fry these ingredients until they are tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step Three
Next, add the cooked jasmine rice to the pan, mixing it well with the other ingredients. Let the rice fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Step Four
Lower the heat to medium, then add the shredded napa cabbage and chopped green onions. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the cabbage wilts slightly.
Step Five
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the Gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed.
Step Six
Pour the sauce mixture over the stir-fry, then stir until all of the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce. Leave it on the heat for another 1-2 minutes so that the flavors can meld together.
Step Seven
Remove the pan from the heat, then sprinkle the stir-fry with sesame seeds. Serve hot, and enjoy your vegetarian stir-fried rice!
