Description
A flavorful and nutritious stir fry combining hearty lentils with spicy gochujang and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (15-ounce) can of lentils (drained) or 1 1/2 cups cooked lentils
- 1 teaspoon oil (such as canola or sesame)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (or 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2-inch minced ginger)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (cut into 3/4-inch slices)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (cut into 3/4–1 inch cubes)
- 1/2 green bell pepper (or any other color, cut into 3/4–1 inch cubes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Cooked rice or noodles (to serve)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons warm water
- Chopped green onion and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and warm water. Mix well and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Toss in the red and green bell peppers. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the drained lentils, salt, soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, and maple syrup. Mix until everything is well coated.
- Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl and pour into the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve the Gochujang Lentils over bowls of rice or noodles. Top with the quick-pickled cucumbers and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Gochujang, Lentils, Stir Fry, Vegan, Quick Meal, Korean Cuisine, Healthy Dinner
