Pioneer Woman Kung Pao Cauliflower Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Kung Pao Cauliflower is a flavorful and crispy recipe, which is made with cauliflower florets and a savory soy-maple sauce. It’s a great vegan take on a classic dish, ready in about 1 hour.

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Pioneer Woman Kung Pao Cauliflower Recipe Ingredients

For the Battered Cauliflower:

• ½ cup (60 g) chickpea flour
• 4 tbsp (30 g) cornstarch
• ½ cup (120 ml) plant-based milk
• ½ tbsp soy sauce
• 1 medium (600 g) head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup of (120 ml) water
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼-⅓ tsp cayenne pepper OR 4-6 dried chilies

For the Skillet:

• 2 tsp oil or water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• ¾ tsp Szechuan peppercorns (optional)
• 1 small/medium bell pepper, sliced into fine strips
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• Fresh chives, chopped
• Peanuts (optional)

How To Make Pioneer Woman Kung Pao Cauliflower

1. Prepare the Batter and Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, cornstarch, plant-based milk, and soy sauce to create a smooth batter. Add the cauliflower florets and stir until they are all evenly coated.
2. First Bake: Spread the battered cauliflower in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the coating is set and lightly golden.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: While the cauliflower bakes, heat the oil or water in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and optional peppercorns. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced bell pepper, cover, and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender.
4. Make the Kung Pao Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, cornstarch, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the bell peppers. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for about 1 minute, stirring, until it thickens.
6. Combine and Finish: Add the baked cauliflower to the skillet and toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. For extra crispiness, you can return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Otherwise, serve immediately.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh chives, and optional peanuts before serving.

Recipe Tips

• How do I get the cauliflower extra crispy? For the best crispy texture, make sure the cauliflower florets are in a single, even layer on the baking sheet and not overcrowded. The optional final bake after tossing the cauliflower in the sauce will also make the coating even crispier.
• How can I adjust the spice level? The heat in this dish comes from the cayenne pepper or dried chilies. You can easily control the spice level by adding more or less to the sauce, according to your preference.
• What should the batter consistency be like? Aim for a batter that is smooth and thick enough to cling to the cauliflower florets without being overly heavy, similar to a pancake batter.
• Can I use an air fryer? Yes. To make this in an air fryer, place the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the basket and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp. Then, toss with the stovetop sauce.

What To Serve With Kung Pao Cauliflower

This flavorful dish is a perfect vegetarian main course. Serve it with:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Quinoa
• Simple stir-fried noodles

How To Store Kung Pao Cauliflower

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the cauliflower will lose its crispiness upon refrigeration.
• Reheat: The best way to reheat and restore some of the crispiness is in a 375°F (190°C) oven or in an air fryer for 5-10 minutes.

Kung Pao Cauliflower Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 266 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 8g

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Frito Pie Recipe