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Kung Pao Cauliflower

This Kung Pao Cauliflower is a delicious stir-fry that is spicy, hearty, satisfying, and comforting. It's a great meat-free Chinese takeout alternative to Kung Pao Chicken! The Kung Pao sauce has the perfect combination of spicy, salty, and sweet flavors which will make your mouth water. The recipe is vegan, gluten-free, low in fat and calories, and can be made oil-free!

Ingredients:

  • Batter:

    • 1/2 cup (60 g) chickpea flour (*see recipe notes)
    • 4 tbsp (30 g) cornstarch
    • 1/2 cup (120 ml) plant-based milk
    • 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (*see recipe notes)
    • 1 medium (600 g) head of cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets

  • Sauce:

    • 1/2 cup of (120 ml) water<l/i>
    • 3 tbsp soy sauce (*see recipe notes)
    • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
    • 2 tbsp maple syrup (*see recipe notes)
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch
    • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
    • 1/4-1/3 tsp cayenne pepper OR 4-6 dried chilies (*see recipe notes)

  • For the skillet:

    • 2 tsp oil or water
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
    • 3/4-1 tsp peppercorns
    • 1 small/medium bell pepper sliced into fine strips
    • 1 tsp sesame seeds
    • fresh chives chopped
    • peanuts (optional)

Preparation Time

15 mins

Cooking Time

35 mins

Servings

2

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  1. Batter:

    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl whisk together cornstarch, chickpea flour, plant-based milk, and soy sauce. Let it sit for about 1 minute, then add the cauliflower florets.
    2. Toss until all cauliflower florets are coated with batter. Transfer the cauliflower to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes

  2. Skillet:

    1. Heat oil (or water) in a skillet over low to medium heat, add garlic, ginger, peppercorns. Saute for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
    2. Next, add bell pepper and saute with a lid on for a further 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently. Add more water if necessary (I used 1 tbsp).

  3. Sauce:

    1. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a medium/large bowl, combine water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Whisk.
    2. Pour the sauce into the skillet. Bring to a boil and let simmer on low heat for 1 minute. Add the roasted cauliflower florets and toss to coat.
    3. Transfer back to the baking sheet and bake for a further 10-15 minutes if you like the cauliflower to be crispy OR enjoy immediately.
    4. Serve with rice or rice noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh chives and peanuts (optional). Enjoy!