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Kung Pao Cauliflower

Crispy Kung Pao Cauliflower: A Vegan Feast to Savor

Experience a flavor explosion with this Crispy Kung Pao Cauliflower, a delightful vegan twist on a classic dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: APPETIZERS
Cuisine: Asian, Vegan
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Cauliflower
  • 1 head Cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup Cornstarch
  • 3/4 cup Water
  • 1 cup All-purpose Flour or Rice Flour use rice flour for gluten-free
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • Oil for Frying or air frying
For the Kung Pao Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce or Tamari for gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch Mixed with Water for thickening
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
For the Stir-Frying
  • 2 tablespoons Oil for sautéing
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper, Diced
  • 1 cup Green Bell Pepper, Diced
  • 1/2 cup Roasted Peanuts or Cashews
  • to taste Dried Red Chilies (optional)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions, Sliced

Equipment

  • deep pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Prepare Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. In a bowl, mix together cornstarch, water, all-purpose flour (or rice flour), salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to create a smooth batter.
  2. Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated for that extra crunch. Set aside while you heat the oil.
  3. Fry Cauliflower: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the battered cauliflower florets and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
  4. Make Kung Pao Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or maple syrup), sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Then, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to help thicken the sauce.
  5. Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add a splash of oil and sauté the diced red and green bell peppers along with the peanuts or cashews until they are just softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Combine: Return the crispy cauliflower to the pan and pour the Kung Pao sauce over everything. Toss gently to coat and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a deliciously satisfying meal!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Optional: Drizzle with additional sesame oil for a richer flavor.

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