Tilapia & Creamy Gochujang Sauce

Carefully rinse the rice (sifting through for any impurities). Drain thoroughly. In a small pot, combine the rice, a big pinch of salt, and 2 cups of water. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook, without stirring, 13 to 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Turn off the heat and fluff with a fork. Cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, wash and dry the bok choy; cut off and discard the root ends, then thinly slice. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Roughly chop the peanuts.

In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sliced bok choy and chopped garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened and the bok choy leaves are wilted. Transfer to a large bowl and cover with foil to keep warm. Wipe out the pan. 

Place the flour and curry powder on a large plate; season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Pat the fish dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on both sides. Working one piece at a time, thoroughly coat the seasoned fish in the seasoned flour. In the same pan, heat a thin layer of oil on medium-high. Once the oil is hot enough that a pinch of flour sizzles immediately when added, add the coated fish (tapping off any excess flour before adding). Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.* Turn off the heat.

*The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 145°F for fish.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the ranch dressing, 2 teaspoons of water, and as much of the gochujang as you'd like, depending on how spicy you'd like the dish to be. To the bowl of cooked bok choy, add the cooked rice and sesame oil; season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Serve the finished bok choy rice topped with the cooked fish and sauce. Garnish with the chopped peanuts. Enjoy!