General Tso's Cauliflower (左宗棠花椰菜)

General Tso's Cauliflower is a delicious vegetarian twist on the classic Chinese takeout dish. The crispy cauliflower florets are coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

General Tso's Cauliflower (左宗棠花椰菜)

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable broth
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or quinoa (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour and water to create a batter.
  2. Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the battered cauliflower in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, vegetable broth, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and cornstarch to make the sauce.
  5. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  6. Add the fried cauliflower to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
  7. Transfer the General Tso's Cauliflower to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
  8. Serve with cooked rice or quinoa, if desired.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
15 minutes
Cooking time:
20 minutes
Total time:
35 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Carbohydrates
30g
Protein
8g
Fat
12g

Supplies

Large skillet Bowls Whisk Tongs Measuring cups and spoons

Tools

Stove Knife Cutting board Frying pan

Serving suggestions

Serving suggestions: General Tso's Cauliflower pairs well with steamed vegetables and a side of white or brown rice.

Tips & tricks

Tips: Make sure the cauliflower florets are dry before dipping them in the batter to ensure a crispy coating.

Cost

$10