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Vegetarian Kung Pao Cauliflower

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Spice lovers, this one’s for you. Dive into Vegetarian Kung Pao Cauliflower goodness.

Vegetarian Kung Pao Cauliflower

Some background history of Kung Pao Cauliflower

Kung Pao Cauliflower revamps the traditional Chinese dish by swapping chicken for cauliflower, creating a vegetarian delight that intrigues the palate while nourishing the body. This innovative take seamlessly blends the robust, spicy flavors characteristic of Kung Pao with the subtle, earthy nuances of cauliflower, offering a satisfying crunch and a wealth of health benefits. Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, cauliflower turns this dish into a heart-healthy, guilt-free meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture.

an image of a bowl filled with Vegetarian Kung Pao Cauliflower
Who knew cauliflower could taste this good Try this Vegetarian Kung Pao Cauliflower twist
  • Vegetarian Innovation: Kung Pao Cauliflower offers a meat-free twist on a classic, merging traditional flavors with the nutritional powerhouse that is cauliflower.
  • Flavorful Fusion: The recipe promises a harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, and savory elements, appealing to a wide range of taste preferences.
  • Healthful Benefits: Emphasizes the dish’s contributions to a healthier diet through its rich content of essential nutrients and low-calorie profile.

Preparing Your Cauliflower

Start by slicing the head of cauliflower into even florets, ensuring they are of a size that promotes uniform cooking. Next, create a thick batter by mixing flour, soy sauce, water, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Each floret is then dipped into this batter, completely coating it. For cooking, you have two options: fry the coated florets until they reach a golden color, or bake them at 180°C until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Achieving the correct texture is crucial; it should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

How to prepare the Perfect Kung Pao Sauce

The perfect Kung Pao sauce begins with a precise blend of soy sauce, Hoisin, vinegar, and a selection of spices, creating a rich tapestry of flavors. Start by mixing the soy sauce, Hoisin, and vinegar, adjusting the proportions to taste. Incorporate spices such as chili flakes or Sambal for a spicy kick. The secret to a seamless sauce lies in the cornflour slurry, whisked in to thicken and bind the mixture, eliminating any lumps. This sauce not only brings a robust depth of flavor but also marries beautifully with the cauliflower, enhancing its natural texture while imbuing it with the essence of traditional Chinese cuisine. Such harmonious incorporation ensures that every floret is coated with a layer of aromatic, enticing sauce.

Bringing this Kung Pao Cauliflower Together

Combine the sautéed vegetables with the crispy, golden cauliflower in a large mixing bowl. Pour the spicy, aromatic sauce over the mix, ensuring every cauliflower floret is generously coated. The key to this step lies in thorough mixing; you want the flavors of the sauce to seep into the cauliflower, marrying them perfectly. Transferring the coated cauliflower onto the pan or baking sheet for one last cook will allow the sauce to caramelize slightly and cling to the florets, intensifying the flavors. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, either in the oven or over moderate heat on the stove, to fuse the savory sauce with the vegetables and cauliflower. This last dance of heat ensures a cohesive dish where each bite is bursting with the intense, harmonious flavors characteristic of Kung Pao Cauliflower.

Garnishing and Serving Your Kung Pao Cauliflower Creation

For an eye-catching finish, sprinkle roasted peanuts generously over your Kung Pao Cauliflower. This not only adds a crunchy texture but also a nutty flavor that complements the spicy and savory elements of the dish. When serving, consider the preferences of your guests. For those avoiding sugar, opt for natural sweeteners like stevia or honey in the sauce. Present your culinary creation on a vibrant platter to make the colors pop. Flexibility in garnishing allows for personal touches, so feel free to add green onions or sesame seeds for an extra layer of taste and visual appeal.

Exploring the Layers of Flavor

Kung Pao Cauliflower unfolds a rich tapestry of textures and flavors. Each bite melds the crisp, baked cauliflower with a velvety sauce, punctuated by the crunch of roasted peanuts. This dish invites you to adjust the spices according to your preference, making each serving a unique culinary journey. You are encouraged to experiment with the ingredients, perhaps introducing a touch of sweetness or an extra kick of heat. Sharing your rendition of this classic, transformed into a vegetarian delight, can inspire others. Your adaptations and culinary experiments enrich the collective experience, turning the act of cooking into a shared adventure.

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an image of a bowl filled with Vegetarian Kung Pao Cauliflower

Vegetarian Kung Pao Cauliflower

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  • Author: EsmeSalon
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings depending on size 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Easy
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Taking plant-based to the next level with this Kung Pao Cauliflower masterpiece.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Cauliflower

  • 1 Head of Cauliflower (cut into florets)
  • 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
  • 1 cup Flour
  • Water
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Kung Pao Sauce

  • 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 3 Tablespoons Hoisin Sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons Vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Honey/Sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon Chili Sauce/Sambal/Chili Flakes (add more if needed)
  • 1 Tablespoon Cornflour & Water (slurry)
  • 1 Red Pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper (cut roughly)
  • 1 Red Onion (sliced)
  • 3 Garlic Cloves (grated)
  • 1 Teaspoon Ginger (grated)
  • Roasted Peanuts (garnish)

Instructions

Cauliflower

  1. Mix the flour, soy, water, and seasoning to form a thick batter.
  2. Drop the florets in and mix well to coat.
  3. Fry until golden or place on a baking sheet and bake at 180C/350F until fork tender.
  4. Set aside.

Kung Pao Sauce

  1. In a pot, gently heat the soy, Hoisin, vinegar, sesame oil, honey/ sugar, chili, and cornstarch slurry. Whisk to remove any lumps.
  2. Sauté the onion, ginger, garlic, and peppers then add to the cauliflower.
  3. Pour the sauce over and toss well to coat the cauliflower.
  4. Return to the pan/oven and cook for a further 10 minutes.
  5. Garnish with peanuts, serve, and enjoy!!


Notes

Created, Prepared, tried, and tested by Rochelle from SA Tasty Recipes – Saffas Daily Recipes 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 277
  • Sugar: 11.7 g
  • Sodium: 856.2 mg
  • Fat: 9.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41.3 g
  • Fiber: 6.4 g
  • Protein: 10.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.2 mg
Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
an image of a bowl filled with Vegetarian Kung Pao Cauliflower
Transform ordinary cauliflower into a spicy sensation with this easy Vegetarian Kung Pao Cauliflower recipe

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