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Kung Pao Cauliflower

Kung Pao Cauliflower

Kung Pao Cauliflower is a delightful twist on the classic dish, featuring crispy cauliflower florets enveloped in a bold and tangy sauce. This vegan and gluten-free recipe combines savory soy sauce, sweet hoisin, and the crunch of peanuts alongside colorful bell peppers. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an exciting side dish, this vibrant meal bursts with flavor and texture.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Oil for frying
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts or cashews
  • 2–3 dried red chilies (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix cornstarch, water, flour, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to create a smooth batter. Coat cauliflower florets evenly.
  2. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry cauliflower in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar or maple syrup, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch-water mix, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Stir-fry diced bell peppers in the same pan for about 2-3 minutes. Add peanuts and the prepared sauce; mix well.
  5. Fold in the crispy cauliflower and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Serve garnished with sliced green onions.
  • Author: Emmeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For extra crunch, consider air-frying the cauliflower instead of frying. Customize by adding your favorite vegetables like snow peas or carrots. Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference.

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