Go BackPrint

Kung Pao Cauliflower Recipe

Our Kung Pao cauliflower recipe will show you how to recreate a Chinese staple at home. It won't disappoint!
  • cook TIME 25 mins
  • prep TIME 5 mins
  • total TIME 30 mins
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American
Keyword: Kung Pao Cauliflower, Kung Pao Cauliflower Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 501 kcal

Ingredients (26)

  • 14 oz cauliflower cut into florets
  • 4 oz red bell peppers cut into chunks
  • 4 oz green bell peppers cut into chunks
  • 2 oz red onions cut into chunks
  • 2 oz cashews toasted
  • 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 medium egg
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp whole milk
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp white wine
  • 3 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp sriracha
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 tsp ginger finely minced
  • 1 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp scallions finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
  • 3 1/2 cups cooked long-grain rice

INSTRUCTIONS

1

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 medium egg, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and 2 tbsp whole milk. Add the cauliflower and toss to coat. It’s most convenient to do in three or four batches. Place the battered florets onto a lined baking sheet.

Coat the cauliflower nuggets for kung pao
3

Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and cook for 15 minutes.

bake the cauliflower nuggets for kungpao
4

Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix together 1/2 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp water, 2 tbsp white wine, 3 tbsp lite soy sauce, 1 tsp Hoisin sauce, 1 tsp sriracha, and 2 tsp brown sugar.

Mix the kung pao cauliflower sauce
5

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook 4 oz red bell peppers, 4 oz green bell pepper and 2 oz red onions for 2 minutes. Place them into another bowl and set aside.

Saute the peppers for cauliflower kung pao
6

Add the remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil and stir in the 1 tbsp minced garlic and 1 tsp minced ginger and cook until fragrant.

Saute the aromatics for kung pao cauliflower
7

Add the sauce and reduce for 30 seconds.

add sauce to the aromatics kung pao caulifower
8

The cauliflower florets should be done by now, so remove them from the oven and add them straight to the pot along with the bell peppers and onions. Add 2 oz cashews and stir well to coat.

Add the cauliflower and peppers
9

Turn off the heat and sprinkle 1 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp scallions, and 1 tbsp sesame seeds on top. Serve with rice.

garnish and serve kung pao cauliflower

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 501 kcal | Fat 21 g | Saturated Fat 6 g | Trans Fat 21 g | Polyunsaturated Fat 3 g | Monounsaturated Fat 10 g | Cholesterol 53 mg | Sodium 552 mg | Potassium 652 mg | Carbohydrate 67 g | Fiber 5 g | Sugar 9 g | Protein 13 g | Vitamin A 1283 IU | Vitamin C 110 mg | Calcium 96 mg | Iron 4 mg