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5 from 3 votes

Kung Pao Cauliflower

Servings: 4
Author: Pamela (the cauliflower technique adapted from Half Baked Harvest)

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1 Tablespoon arrowroot + 2 teaspoons for the sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons coconut milk if you don't have it, use whole milk, cashew milk or oat milk
  • 5 Tablespoons shoyu tamari or coconut aminos, divided
  • 1 Tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar no added sugar or salt
  • 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 Tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 Tablespoon dark brown sugar or sugar of choice
  • 5 Tablespoons water
  • 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
  • 2 stalks celery cut into ½-inch thick slices
  • 1 sweet bell pepper any color, stemmed and seeded, cut into large cubes
  • Serving suggestions: chopped roasted and unsalted peanuts sliced green onions

Instructions

  • Position oven rack 6 inches from the heat source, usually the second level. Preheat the broiler to high. Line a half sheet pan with aluminum foil (for easy cleanup) and set a cooling rack over the sheet pan.
  • In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with 1 tablespoon arrowroot to coat. Add the coconut milk and 2 Tablespoons shoyu, tossing to evenly coat all the florets. Spread the cauliflower in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet/rack. Place in the oven and broil for 4-5 minutes, until the cauliflower is just beginning to char on the edges. Reduce the oven temp to 425 F and bake for another 5 minutes, until just tender.
  • Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a medium bowl whisk the remaining 3 Tablespoons of shoyu, vinegar, chili-garlic sauce, sesame oil, ginger, brown sugar, water, and 2 teaspoons arrowroot until smooth.
  • In a large skillet, warm the avocado oil over medium heat and add the celery and bell pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, just to barely soften the edges.
  • Once the cauliflower has finished roasting, add the cauliflower to the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables and toss to coat and cook until thickened, 1-2 minutes.

Notes

Leftover coconut milk can be stored in a tightly covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen.