Gochujang Rice Bowl Plant-Rich | Quick | Gluten-Free Friendly | Nut-Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2–3

A little rice, some veggies, a quick sweet soy glaze… and that gochujang drizzle pulls it all together.

Now it’s on repeat in our house.

Everyone builds it their own way.

Kids keep it sweet & simple. We load it up & add the spice.

This is one of those meals that actually works long-term. Simple base, flexible toppings, and enough flavor to keep everyone happy.

🌱 Why We Love It

• quick weeknight dinner

• easy to customize for kids and adults

• great way to use whatever veggies you have

• leftovers taste even better the next day

🥕 Ingredients

Base

• ¾ cup jasmine or basmati rice

• 1¼ cups water

• pinch of salt

Veggies

• 1 zucchini, halved and sliced

• ¾ cup red cabbage

• ¼ cup shredded carrots

• ½ cup edamame

• 2 scallions, sliced (whites + greens separated)

• 1½ tsp neutral oil

Sweet Soy Glaze

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tsp ginger paste

• ⅓ cup maple syrup or sweet chili sauce

• ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari

• 3 Tbsp seasoned rice vinegar

• 1 Tbsp sesame oil

• 2 Tbsp water

Gochujang Aioli

• 2 Tbsp vegan mayo

• 1 tsp gochujang

• 1 tsp vinegar or lime juice

• water to thin

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Add rice, water, and salt to a small pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook about 15 minutes. Fluff and set aside.

2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

3. Add zucchini, cabbage, carrots, edamame, and scallion whites. Cook 3–5 minutes until just tender.

4. Add garlic, ginger, maple syrup or sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water.

5. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.

6. In a small bowl, whisk vegan mayo, gochujang, vinegar or lime juice, and water until drizzle-ready.

7. Assemble bowls with rice, glazed veggies, aioli, and scallion greens.

🔥 Flavor Boost Tips

• add chili crisp or extra gochujang

• finish with lime juice for brightness

• sprinkle sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

• add crispy tofu or roasted mushrooms

📝 Recipe Notes

• Use tamari for gluten-free

• Sweet chili sauce makes it more kid-friendly

• Maple syrup version is milder and more versatile

• Swap veggies based on what you have

👶 Kid-Friendly Tips

• serve everything deconstructed

• keep sauce on the side

• start with rice + one veggie

• use maple version for a sweeter flavor

💚 Final Note

This is one of those simple meals that grows with your family. Start basic, swap the veg, and keep adding flavors over time.

That’s how real-life plant-based eating sticks