Vegan Gochujang-Sichuan pepper fried rice

VEGAN, EASY, HEALTHY RECIPE

© Anusha Swamynathan, 2024

Picture this: tender vegetables sizzling in fragrant oils, their natural aromas released and mingling with the savory essence of the rice. Enter Gochujang, the star of our show, with its tangy kick that adds depth and character to each bite. As the spicy sauce meets the heat of the skillet, a symphony of flavors unfolds, transforming humble ingredients into a delicious dish.

This Gochujang Sichuan Pepper Fried Rice isn’t just a dish — it’s an experience, a journey of flavors that dance on your palate and leave you craving more. So, read on for the recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked rice (cold/ day-old rice works well)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 big carrot, diced
• Handful of green beans, chopped
• Mushrooms, sliced/ diced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chili oil
• 2 tablespoons Gochujang paste
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1–2 tablespoons ginger, minced
• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
• Handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped

Method:

1. Heat chili oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add chopped onions, green onions, diced carrots, chopped green beans, and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
2. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add minced ginger and garlic to the cleared space. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add cooked rice into the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes to combine the rice with the vegetables evenly.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, Gochujang paste, and sesame oil until well combined (add a bit of sugar if you want to balance out the spiciness)
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the fried rice. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Add chopped green chilies and chopped/ torn basil leaves to the fried rice. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more soy sauce or Gochujang paste for extra flavor and spice.
8. Once the fried rice is heated through and the flavors have combined, remove from heat.
9. Serve the Gochujang Sichuan Pepper Fried Rice hot, garnished with extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.

If you recreate this recipe, don’t forget to tag me — @lovewhatyoucookandeat.