Easy Gochujang Broccoli

The pot lid rattles and you know dinner is almost ready. You spot the steam puff out as the float valve rises, telling you the pressure has built just right. That sound kinda makes you happy after a busy day, like dinner's on its way without much hassle.

Inside the cooker, your broccoli's getting tender pull moments while you prepare the salads. Mixing up the yuzu dressing feels like the perfect fresh touch to cool down the spicy Korean cucumber salad you set aside. The kitchen smells so alive you catch yourself smiling.

You remember pulling the walnut crusted salmon out just before starting on rigatoni. Timing's key but with the slow release letting you breathe, nothing burns or overcooks. Quick release helps you jump right in for the next step. You gotta love how all these dishes come together quick and tasty.

The Truth About Fast Tender Results

• Your pressure cooker gets tender pull broccoli fast without drying out.
• Quick release saves time when you wanna add juicy salmon right after.
• Float valve lets you know when pressure build hits perfect.
• Slow release helps keep pasta from getting mushy during bake time.
• Using MSG seasoning boosts flavors better than plain salt sometimes.
• Air fryer or oven roasting works well for crispy edges on broccoli.
• Mixing gochujang butter while broccoli cooks gives full flavor coverage.

Your Simple Ingredient Checklist

• 1 large crown broccoli, cut into about 3 ½ to 4 cups of florets
• ½ tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• ¼ teaspoon all-purpose MSG seasoning or salt and pepper to taste
• 2 to 3 tablespoons gochujang butter (made from unsalted butter, gochujang, garlic, toasted sesame oil, sugar)
• 1 stick unsalted butter, room temp
• 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons Korean red pepper paste (gochujang)
• 2 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced
• 1 ½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon white or brown sugar

Walking Through Every Single Move

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or set up that air fryer to 375 degrees. Get it nice and hot while you cut up the broccoli.

Step 2. Chop the broccoli crown into florets and toss them in a big mixing bowl. You wanna make sure every piece gets some love.

Step 3. Drizzle olive oil over the broccoli, sprinkle that MSG seasoning or salt and pepper, then toss real good. Make sure each floret’s coated just right.

Step 4. Lay your broccoli out in one layer on a baking sheet or pop it in the air fryer basket. Don’t crowd ‘em cause you want crispy edges.

Step 5. Roast the broccoli in your oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or air fry for 15 to 20 minutes. You look for that tender pull and slight crisp on the edges.

Step 6. Meanwhile, mix gochujang with the warm room temp butter, grated garlic, toasted sesame oil, and sugar in a bowl. Once the broccoli's done, toss it all in the spicy butter mix. Serve that right away while it’s hot and tasty.

Quick Tricks That Save Your Time

• You can prep the gochujang butter ahead and keep it in the fridge so it’s ready to go anytime.
• Trim broccoli while the pressure cooker heats up to use your time the smartest way.
• While waiting for that quick release, start chopping your salad ingredients to keep moving fast.

When You Finally Get to Eat

You catch the first bite of that roasted broccoli and the spicy gochujang butter hits your tongue all warm and rich. It’s kinda sweet with a little kick of heat that makes your mouth wanna keep tasting.

The mixed greens with yuzu dressing refresh your palate, giving cool citrus notes that balance the spicy broccoli real good. You feel the crunch of carrots and the sweet bursts from dates with mint in the raw carrot salad.

That spicy Korean cucumber salad wakes up your taste buds with crisp, cool slices packed with flavor. Meanwhile, the Italian antipasto pasta salad brings in savory, meaty bites that fill you up happily.

You dig into the baked rigatoni loaded with sausage, creamy Boursin cheese melting in every forkful. The walnut crusted salmon adds a nutty texture that pairs perfectly with all the fresh salads around it. This meal’s a win!

Smart Storage That Actually Works

• Store leftover roasted broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps for up to 3 days but best eaten sooner for crispiness.
• For salads, keep dressings separate until you’re ready to eat to stop wilting and sogginess.
• Walnut crusted salmon can be wrapped tight with foil or plastic wrap and chilled up to 2 days, then reheat gently in the oven or air fryer.

What People Always Ask Me

• Can I make the broccoli in the pressure cooker? Yeah, but it’s kinda tricky to keep it crispy that way. Oven or air fryer gives better roasted texture. Check out our Easy Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps for a simple quick meal idea while you wait.
• What if I don’t have gochujang? You can swap with miso mixed with a bit of chili paste, but the flavor won't be quite the same. Also see Creamy Dill Pickle Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad for complementary flavors.
• How do I keep salads fresh longer? Always store greens and dressings separately and add dressing just before serving.
• Can I freeze the baked rigatoni? Yup, it freezes well. Just thaw slowly and reheat without drying it out.
• Is MSG seasoning necessary? Nope, salt and pepper work fine, but MSG gives a nice umami boost if you’re into that.
• How to get a quick release safely? Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to cover the valve and turn it gently to avoid steam burns.