Vegan Black Pepper Cauliflower

The Vegan Black Pepper Cauliflower is strong and peppery & flavorful. The dish can be served in the kitchen with the restaurant’s Chinese tastes. The Vegan Black Pepper Cauliflower is crunchy, chewy, and covered with thick black pepper sauce. It is vegetarian, dairy-free & meatless, yet it is filling and rich. Cauliflower is roasted or air-fried to become golden and crispy. Then it is served in a spicy, thick sauce with a good deal of black pepper and garlic. It works well on a weeknight and is better than takeout.It is simple, quick & enjoyed by all, even the non-vegans.

STATS:

• Diet: Vegan
• Course: Main or Appetizer
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Time for prep: fifteen minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Working time (total): 40 minutes
• Size/serving: one bowl
• Total yield: 3 to 4 servings
• Level of difficulty: Easy
• Mode of cooking: Oven or Air Fryer + Stovetop

EQUIPMENT:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet/air fryer
• Non-stick pan/wok
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula

INGREDIENTS:

Regarding the cauliflower:

• One medium head of cauliflower (florets taken out)
• Half a cup of all-purpose flour
• Half a cup of cornstarch
• One cup of sugar-free plant-based milk
• Half a teaspoon of powdered garlic
• 1/2 a teaspoon of salt
• Baking oil or cooking spray

Regarding the sauce:

• One spoonful of oil
• A tablespoon of finely chopped garlic
• One tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper
• A tiny bit of soy sauce
• One hoisin sauce tablespoon
• A single spoonful of rice vinegar
• One teaspoon of maple syrup
• Half a cup of water
• One tablespoon of water combined with one teaspoon of cornstarch

INGREDIENT NOTES:

Cauliflower:

• Fresh cauliflower is best to get that lovely crisp bite. Then cut into medium-sized florets to cook evenly.

Flour & Cornstarch:

• These two are used to make a light and crispy batter. It can be gluten-free flour, in case of necessity.

Plant Milk:

• Use unsweetened almond, soy/oat milk. Skip using those with a vanilla flavor.

Black Pepper:

• When you want your food to be bold, use freshly cracked black pepper. Tamper to your spice level.

Soy Sauce:

• It should be preferably low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is commercially made to be gluten-free.

Hoisin Sauce:

• Enhances flavor and a bit of sweetness. The second technique involves combining liquid soy sauce with sugar.

Garlic:

• The garlic that has been chopped up offers optimum aroma and taste. You can not pass on it!

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F or your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. To make a smooth batter, blend the flour, cornstarch, plant milk, salt, and garlic powder in a basin.
3. Every cauliflower floret should be dipped in the batter.
4. Shake off the extra.
5. Coated florets can be put in the air fryer basket or on a baking sheet that has been prepared.
6. Bake / air fry till crispy and golden in appearance, turning after about 20 to 25 minutes.
7. While the cauliflower head bakes, fry the oil in a pan over a moderate flame.
8. Sauté the garlic for one minute.
9. Add water, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and maple syrup.
10. Gently stir.
11. All of these items in a small bowl.
12. Stir till the sauce thickens after adding the slurry to the pan.
13. Toss the cauliflower in the hot sauce while it’s completely coated, and once it’s done.
14. If preferred, top with green onions/sesame seeds and serve warm.

TIPS:

• To get some additional heat, put some chili flakes or sriracha in the sauce.
• The simpler it is to tidy up, the better it is to bake on baking paper.
• Have over rice, noodles/in lettuce cups.
• Prepare the sauce in applying in advance and refrigerate up to 3 days.
• You need to avoid overcooking cauliflower whenever you are cooking it.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Keep any excess in the fridge in a tightly closed bag for 2 to 3 days. For optimal texture, warm in an air fryer or skillet.

FREEZER:

• Not advised. Once frozen and thawed, the batter & sauce may get soggy.

FAQs:

Can you gluten-free it?

• Yes. Make tamari substitute with soy sauce and flour that is gluten-free.

Do I have to omit hoisin sauce?

• You can. Instead, use 12 tablespoons of soy sauce mixed with 12 tablespoons of maple syrup.

May I fry instead of bake?

• Yes. Baking or air frying is the way to go & it works well and is oil-light.

Do I have to use frozen cauliflower?

• Frozen florets thawed and dried thoroughly may be used instead of fresh.

Is it too hot for children?

• To render to children or people who are sensitive to spice, reduce the quantity of black pepper.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Calories: 210
Carbs: 29g
Total Carbs: 29g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 4g
Fat: 8g
Calcium: 40mg
Iron: 1.2mg
Sodium: 320mg
Potassium: 480mg
Vitamin A: 100 IU
Serving Size: 1 bowl (¼ recipe)