Kung pao cauliflower

Table of contents

Kung Pao Cauliflower

Kung Pao Cauliflower is a delightful twist on the classic Chinese dish, Kung Pao Chicken. This vegetarian version features crispy cauliflower florets tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce with peanuts and vegetables. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it a standout dish for any meal.

Serving Size and Yield

Serves: 4

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
3 green onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss the cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast the cauliflower in the oven for 20 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red bell pepper and peanuts, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
Add the green onions, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
Add the roasted cauliflower to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Additional Notes

For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for more variety. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.