This 21 Day Fix Kung Pao Cauliflower is one of my favorite new recipes! It works as an appetizer, side dish, or mixed with your favorite protein for lunch or dinner. This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.
Confession #139 – I’m geeking out over cauliflower again you guys.
And not just any cauliflower – this roasted Kung Pao Cauliflower. I know I have said it before, but Cauliflower is magic.
My husband and I went out over Christmas break to one of my favorite local restaurants, Harvest, which would be a favorite even if it wasn’t located near a Trader Joes AND a JCrew Factory (I mean…this is excitement in my life). Anyway, I ordered the Kung Pao Cauliflower on their appetizer menu and I literally haven’t stopped thinking about it and all it’s gingery goodness since.
I finally had to attempt to recreate it at home and, wow, it did NOT disappoint. The spicy sweet ginger sauce was nearly identical to the one at Harvest, and maybe even a little better since I could control the thickness (aka make it extra thick and yummy).
This sauce is everything…and I hope you are ok with me putting on everything from here on out. Kung Pao on all the things coming soon!
Traditional Kung Pao is stir fried, and you could definitely chop your cauliflower florets and sauté them, but I decided to roast mine because it’s easier than standing at the stove. Your call.
The one at Harvest was steamed, so I will definitely try this using my Instant Pot and let you all know…but I freaking loved the crispy edges of the roasted cauliflower mixed with the sticky sauce. Kinda like wings in a way.
And for the record, my husband was not thrilled when I ordered this as our app, but he loved it and ate more than I wanted him to. And my version, well, sadly, I didn’t make enough to share. So the jury is still out…but I am totally ok with my choice on that.
Looks like you’ll have to trust me on this one. <3
Kung Pao Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower 4 cups of florets
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1.5 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2.5 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- ½ to 2 teaspoons chili garlic paste or sub sriracha to taste (I used 1/2 tsp and then added more at the end)
- 2 cloves garlic pressed or minced
- 2 teaspoons grated or minced ginger
- Scallions optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425.
- To prepare the cauliflower, use a sharp knife to slice off the base, then quarter it into four even wedges. Slice off the inner core areas, leaving the rest intact. Then slice into florets. Place pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
- Place cauliflower in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until it's tender and golden on the edges, stirring at the halfway mark.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare your sauce by mixing the coconut aminos, honey/syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, garlic, and ginger together in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes or until desired thickness.
- After the cauliflower is finished roasting, drizzle Kung Pau sauce over and mix well.
- Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or over your favorite protein for lunch or dinner.
Notes
Nutrition
Allie says
I’m having a hard time finding chili garlic paste, is chili garlic sauce the same thing? I’m assuming no lol. Do you mind sharing which brand you use so I can search stores around me for it?! Thank you
Nancylynn says
Huy Fong is the brand I’ve used. Chili garlic sauce should work, it’s just not quite as thick. You can also sub Sriracha!
Christine says
I was directed to your site when I was looking for a Ramen noodle recipe, but what I found was this! I made it tonight to use up some cauliflower. OMG – it was the best sauce. I’m already thinking about what else I can use it on. (I should note that I ate the entire tray of cauliflower myself! lol) I am on WW so the honey was a lot of points. I may try a sugar free maple syrup next time. Any thoughts on how else to bring down the points?
Nancylynn says
From what I understand about WW, maple syrup is less points than honey, so I would start there. You can try half the amount of maple syrup and see if you still like the taste of the sauce. I would avoid sugar free products though, if you can, due to ingredients. Hope that helps!
Christine says
Thanks! It’s 1 point less per Tablespoon, so I’ll try it next time.
Teresa says
Amazing!! Yet again another successful recipe. Your stuff never disappoints
Nancylynn says
Ahh!! This makes me so happy, Teresa! Thank you!! ❤️
Brenda Madala says
Made this today to satisfy my Chinese craving. It did not disappoint. Hubby got two bites (loved it) and I ate the rest. I did cook it in my Ninja Foodi. Turned out so tender. I plopped the head in with 1 cup water, pressured for one minute, QR. Forked it apart and then sat it on air crisp while sauce was cooking. About 9 minutes.
Yummy! Thank you again for an excellent vegan meal.
Nancylynn says
That is AWESOME, Brenda! Thank you for sharing and for the great feedback!
Tori says
Does coconut aminos count as any containers for the 21 day fix!? Thanks!
Nancylynn says
It’s free!
Danielle says
Made this tonight for my parents and I, and it was certainly a hit!! My parents are heavy meat eaters and I’m vegan so they rarely want to eat what I make, but last time we visited my brother in PA we went to Harvest for a family dinner and had their appetizer. Everyone tried it and everyone loved it- so when I found your recipe and saw you mention Harvest I got super excited! Thanks for this amazing recipe, definitely a keeper.
Nancylynn says
Oh my goodness! Sorry this comment is SO late, but this makes me happy! Where does your brother live?
Ashley says
My sauce did not thicken.. what did I do wrong?
Nancylynn says
It might need to be boiled longer…
Nikki says
Do you think we can use cauliflower rice as well?? I currently have 2 bags at my house to use up and wanted to find another great recipe to switch it up a bit!!
Nancylynn says
YES! That would be really yum!!
Jennifer says
It’s one of my favorite new recipes too. This sauce rocks! Thank you!
Nancylynn says
I’m SO happy you tried it! Yay!