Why Make This Recipe
Spicy Stir-fried Cauliflower is a fantastic dish that combines the crunch of fresh cauliflower with bold flavors. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner or as a side for your favorite main course. It’s healthy, plant-based, and full of flavor, making it a great addition to your cooking repertoire.
How to Make Spicy Stir-fried Cauliflower
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 dried red chilies, crushed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Blanch cauliflower (optional): For a crispier cauliflower, blanch the florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before stir-frying. Drain well.
- Stir-fry aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and crushed chilies, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir-fry cauliflower: Add cauliflower florets to the wok and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp. If blanched, this step will be quicker.
- Add sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour over cauliflower and stir-fry for another minute to coat evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Stir in sliced green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve as a side dish or part of a larger meal.
How to Serve Spicy Stir-fried Cauliflower
This dish can be served hot as a side dish alongside rice or noodles. You can also enjoy it mixed into a salad or as a filling in wraps. Its spicy and savory flavor pairs well with a variety of proteins, from chicken to tofu, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
How to Store Spicy Stir-fried Cauliflower
To store your leftover Spicy Stir-fried Cauliflower, let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Spicy Stir-fried Cauliflower
- Adjust the number of dried red chilies based on your heat preference. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
- For extra crunch, consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
- Experiment with adding sesame seeds for a nice garnish and extra texture.
Variation
You can spice up this recipe by adding proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. For a different flavor, try using other types of sauces, like hoisin or sweet chili sauce, to create your own twist on this dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh chili peppers instead of dried?
Yes! Fresh chili peppers can be used, but adjust the quantity to your taste since they can vary in heat.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop the cauliflower and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just stir-fry it when you are ready to serve!
Spicy Stir-fried Cauliflower
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 dried red chilies, crushed Adjust based on heat preference
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Use tamari for gluten-free option
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Blanch cauliflower (optional): For a crispier cauliflower, blanch the florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cooking
- Add minced garlic and crushed chilies to the wok, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cauliflower florets to the wok and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour over cauliflower and stir-fry for another minute to coat evenly.
- Stir in sliced green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.