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Kung Pao Cauliflower

April 20, 2020 By Patricia 72 Comments

Kung Pau Cauliflower might make your Top 5 Favorites list for your favorite make-at-home Chinese meal. It’s big on flavor and it makes a fabulous appetizer or main dish as part of a light meal.

Kung Pao Cauliflower is a great appetizer or main dish you'll reach for again and again. You'll love the flavors!

Instead of going out for Chinese this weekend, I decided to make a variation of restaurant favorite: Kung Pao Cauliflower. I had the ingredients on hand, so why not.

I love cauliflower and always look at people a little differently when they tell me they don’t like it. I know that’s a little judgey, but come on! How can you not love cauliflower?

This sheet pan Roasted Cauliflower and Tomatoes with Balsamic Glaze is just one way to enjoy this veggie. 

Kung Pao Cauliflower is sweet and spicy and delicious! You'll love the cashews I added for a bit of crunch.

If pasta is more your thing, you’ll love my Creamy Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower and Mushrooms. Ooo! And don’t pass up a chance to try Kimchi and Cauliflower Fried “Rice” with Poached Eggs. It’s a fabulous comfort food dish.

I had the idea to make Kung Pao Cauliflower a few years ago after meeting some friends for dinner. My husband and I were running a little late, but got to the restaurant and strolled up to the table just as our friends’ appetizers showed up. Score! Kung Pao Cauliflower was one of the delicious starters they shared with us.

Kung Pao Cauliflower is a tasty take on a Chinese favorite dish. You choose whether to serve this as an appetizer, side, or main dish!

Kung Pao Cauliflower is rich and spicy with a little sweetness to it, too. Don’t forget the cashews. Everything is better with cashews! As a testament to how good this dish is, I gotta tell you that it passed muster with my friend who I lovingly refer to as the Pickiest Eater in the World. 

Kung Pao Cauliflower is a tasty, meatless dish. Serve it as an appetizer or as a main dish - you decide!

You could easily make a meal out of this dish (throw in some extra veggies if you’d like), especially if you serve rice on the side along with a green salad. It’s also a perfect Meatless Monday meal, too.

If you’re at home and looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish to make, give Kung Pao Cauliflower a try. You probably have all the ingredients on hand, but if not, wait for your next grocery run and make a plan!

Kung Pao Cauliflower is a delicious meatless dish. Forget about take out and make this recipe instead!

Whether you’re looking for a fun and meatless appetizer or main dish to serve, give Kung Pao Cauliflower a try. It’s rich and filling and full of great flavor. Let me know how you like it!

Kung Pao Cauliflower is a delicious, meatless dish you can serve anytime.

Nutrition

Calories

691 cal

Fat

4 g

Carbs

133 g

Protein

5 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Patricia Conte/Grab a Plate

Serves Serves 4

Kung Pao Cauliflower

This is a fun and tasty take on a classic! You'll love it!

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5 based on 3 review(s)

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Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets
  • 1/4 cup red onion, sliced thin
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red chile pepper, seeds removed, cut into thin rounds
  • 1/4 cup cashew pieces
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha (more or less to taste), divided
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with the nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon Sriracha, and the cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Add the cauliflower florets to the baking dish and spoon the soy sauce mixture over them. Toss to coat. Cook for about 20 minutes, tossing a few times as they cook.
  4. Just before the end of the cooking time, add the sesame oil and the vegetable oil to a skillet over medium heat.
  5. When hot, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they soften. Reduce the heat a bit and add the garlic, chile rings, and cashews. Cook for a few minutes, tossing. Remove from the heat.
  6. Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, the hoisin, brown sugar, Sriracha, vinegar, and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
  7. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and pour the liquid mixture over them, and reserve 1-2 tablespoons. Toss to coat.
  8. Add the pan back to the oven for another 10 minutes or so, or until the cauliflower is soft. Toss a once or twice during this time.
  9. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving bowl.
  10. Just before serving, add the reserved sauce over the top and garnish with a bit of black pepper.
7.8.1.2
185
https://www.azgrabaplate.com/kung-pao-cauliflower/

Filed Under: Appetizers, Dinner, Lunch, Recipes, Vegetarian Tagged With: appetizers, Cauliflower, Kung Pao Cauliflower, Meatless Monday, starters, vegetarian

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Comments

  1. Clarissa says

    July 24, 2017 at 3:55 pm

    This sounds so delicious! I could totally do this as a paleo side dish without the rice! YUM! Pinning - thanks for sharing :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 9, 2017 at 2:29 am

      Good idea! Thanks, Clarissa!
      Reply
  2. Lucy says

    July 24, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    Yum! I am on a cashew kick lately, so this incredible. Pinning for Meatless Monday!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 9, 2017 at 2:29 am

      Thanks, Lucy! Hope you try it soon, and enjoy!
      Reply
  3. Angie | Big Bear's Wife says

    July 24, 2017 at 5:31 pm

    Cauliflower is one of my favorite veggies. I just love it. my husband loves Chinese take out haha. Perhaps this will settle dinner plans for both of us!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 9, 2017 at 2:29 am

      There you go! Thanks, Angie!
      Reply
  4. Lauren says

    July 24, 2017 at 6:51 pm

    Yesss! I love kung pao anything! This looks so good, will definitely be trying this week.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:55 am

      Thanks, Lauren! I hope you like it!
      Reply
  5. Erin @ The Speckled Palate says

    July 24, 2017 at 7:08 pm

    Oh, this just looks and sounds so flavorful! We love king pao chicken, so I can imagine we'd be into this cauliflower, too. Especially since it's making me want takeout STAT!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:55 am

      Haha! Glad this is tempting you :) Thanks so much, Erin!
      Reply
  6. Kelly - A Side of Sweet says

    July 24, 2017 at 7:26 pm

    Yum! I have cauliflower in my fridge right now that needs to be made into this!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:54 am

      Perfect timing! Thanks so much, Kelly!
      Reply
  7. Carly says

    July 24, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    I have never heard of haboobs! I am definitely going to Google it because it sounds crazy. Mother Nature is awesome. The kung pao cauliflower looks amazing!! I love trying new dishes and have to try this!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:54 am

      Thanks so much, Carly! Can't wait til so see those haboobs! They're amazing!
      Reply
  8. Jen says

    July 24, 2017 at 10:51 pm

    I'm totally going to try this! I love being able to change up our veggie routine. Oh, and I used to live in Gilbert so I know exactly what a haboob looks like. It's crazy!!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:53 am

      Hi, Jen! Are the haboobs something?! Just amazing! I hope you get to try this soon!
      Reply
  9. Erica says

    July 25, 2017 at 12:15 am

    Mmmm..I love Kung Pao. And in recent years, I'm really getting into cauliflower. So this sounds like an amazing combo. Plus I can't eat gluten. So I usually can't get something like this in restaurants. But I can adjust the recipe to make it diet safe for me! (gluten-free soy sauce and hosein sauce!)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:53 am

      Yes! Gotta have the right ingredients! Thanks so much, Erica - I hope you try it soon!
      Reply
  10. Francesca says

    July 25, 2017 at 12:49 am

    This looks so delicious!! Definitely on my list of things to try asap!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:52 am

      Thanks, Francesca! I hope you like it!
      Reply
  11. Corinne says

    July 25, 2017 at 1:07 am

    OM it's already 9:00p.m. but having seen this now I'm so hungry for it. LOL great recipe.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:52 am

      Haha! Always happens to me, for reals! Thanks, Corinne!
      Reply
  12. Kate says

    July 25, 2017 at 2:27 am

    Oh my gosh, what a great idea! This looks so good. We just had chinese food last night, but now I want it again! :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:52 am

      I could eat it always! Thank you, Kate!
      Reply
  13. Dee says

    July 25, 2017 at 3:33 am

    This has got to be the perfect side dish!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:51 am

      Thanks!! :)
      Reply
  14. Berniedette | PetiteAndToned.com says

    July 25, 2017 at 6:06 am

    I seriously thought this was chicken! It looks amazing! Need to try this recipe this weekend! xoxo, Berniedette | PetiteAndToned.com
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:51 am

      Lol! It's really good - hope you like it! Thanks, Berniedette!
      Reply
  15. Taylor Mobley says

    July 25, 2017 at 6:38 am

    Kung Pao chicken is one of my favorite dinners but I've never tried this before!! Looks and sounds so delicious!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:50 am

      Something a little different :) Hope you try it and love it! Thanks, Taylor!
      Reply
  16. Cait Weingartner says

    July 25, 2017 at 9:00 am

    This recipe looks delicious! I'm looking forward to trying it very soon.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:50 am

      Thanks so much, Cait! Hope you enjoy it!
      Reply
  17. Lora @savoringitaly says

    July 25, 2017 at 10:22 am

    I never heard of a haboob before! We get massive rains here in the summer in Florida and sometimes a little hurricane. This cauliflower dish is so what I want to make tonight. Just love this idea!!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:49 am

      Thanks so much, Lora! You really should Google it -- it's amazing!
      Reply
  18. Michelle says

    July 25, 2017 at 11:51 am

    I've had Kung Pao Chicken before and I liked it. I will have to try this healthier alternative someday.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:48 am

      Hope you try it, and enjoy! Thanks, Michelle!
      Reply
  19. Anvita says

    July 25, 2017 at 2:13 pm

    I often make this for a quick lunch. Love that it's so easy to make Kaung Pau Cauliflower. Best of all I love the flavors. This look really good.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:48 am

      Oh, fabulous, Anvita! I love it - thanks so much!
      Reply
  20. erin says

    July 25, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    That looks so delicious! I've become a huge fan of cauliflower lately and have been grilling it a couple times a week. I'll have to try this for variety. Love the photos, too!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:48 am

      Oh! I have yet to try grilling it - great idea! Thanks so much, Erin!
      Reply
  21. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says

    July 25, 2017 at 6:15 pm

    I love using cauliflower in place of chicken! This is brilliant!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:47 am

      So good! Thank you, Anna!
      Reply
  22. Denay DeGuzman says

    July 25, 2017 at 6:24 pm

    Oh my goodness, this Kung Pao Cauliflower looks amazing! Your images are stunning. I feel like I could just grab a fork and lift a piece of that tasty goodness straight off my screen. Thank you for sharing this scrumptious creation!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 26, 2017 at 1:47 am

      Thanks so much, Denay! I appreciate your kind words!
      Reply
  23. Hannah Palamara says

    July 26, 2017 at 2:34 am

    Oh my gosh this looks delicious! I'm going to try it tomorrow for dinner.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:40 pm

      Let me know how you like it! Thanks, Hannah!
      Reply
  24. Jim says

    July 26, 2017 at 6:19 pm

    This looks incredible!!! However, is it gluten free?
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:38 pm

      Thanks, Jim! You'd have to be sure to check on the seasonings' labels. For example, the soy sauce and the hoisin sauce could contain gluten.
      Reply
  25. Crystal says

    August 14, 2017 at 9:57 pm

    Step 5 says to add garlic to the pan, but the ingredient list doesn't mention garlic. How much do you add?
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 22, 2017 at 3:28 pm

      So sorry for the oversight, Crystal! I usually go with 2-3 cloves, minced! I'll fix that in the recipe now. Thanks!
      Reply
  26. Cassie says

    November 14, 2018 at 10:10 am

    When do you add the onion mixture to the cauliflower? Before the last 10 min bake time, or at the end?
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 12, 2019 at 5:52 pm

      Hi Cassie - Add the onions at steps 4 & 5: Just before the end of the cooking time, add the sesame oil and the vegetable oil to a skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they soften. Reduce the heat a bit and add the garlic, chile rings, and cashews. Cook for a few minutes, tossing. Remove from the heat.
      Reply
  27. Marta says

    April 20, 2020 at 12:18 pm

    I'm used to Kung Pao with peanuts, but since cashews are my favorite, I prefer this version.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2020 at 6:27 am

      Thanks, Marta! You can always use what you prefer!
      Reply
  28. Peace says

    April 20, 2020 at 4:42 pm

    Your photography is awesome. Just looking at your food display makes my mouth water. Thank you for the recipe.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2020 at 6:27 am

      Thank you for the kind words! Cheers!
      Reply
  29. Sarah Althouse says

    April 20, 2020 at 5:06 pm

    Oooh I love that it's a vegetable version of a fast-food favorite!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2020 at 6:26 am

      Thanks so much, Sarah!
      Reply
  30. Taylor says

    April 20, 2020 at 5:45 pm

    We LOVE Chinese food but haven't tried making it at home, ever! But this looks sooo yummy! I'm a huge cauliflower fan so we'll have to try this!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2020 at 6:26 am

      You must try it, Taylor! Let me know if you do and how it goes!
      Reply
  31. Kelsey Harmony says

    April 20, 2020 at 6:00 pm

    Yum!! I love cooking with cauliflower more and more these days because it so simple, and easy. It is such a great alternative to rice and when I fry it with coconut oil, I can't seem to get enought!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2020 at 6:26 am

      I love it too! I hope you enjoy this dish, Kelsey!
      Reply
  32. Helen Little says

    April 20, 2020 at 10:05 pm

    Right? How can people not like cauliflower? I get it though - it just needs cooking in a really tasty way, and this is it! Going to try it for sure!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2020 at 6:26 am

      Thanks, Helen! I hope you enjoy this!
      Reply
  33. Sharon says

    April 21, 2020 at 7:55 am

    When I found this recipe I got so excited because I have everything in my refrigerator and pantry for it! Now dinner is planned.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2020 at 6:25 am

      That's awesome, Sharon! I hope you tried it and liked it!
      Reply
  34. Tisha says

    April 21, 2020 at 12:35 pm

    Perfect meatless alternative! Looks so flavorful!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2020 at 6:25 am

      Thank you, Tisha!
      Reply
  35. Jasmine says

    April 21, 2020 at 10:29 pm

    This looks really good I'll have to try it soon
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2020 at 6:25 am

      Thank you, Jasmine!
      Reply
  36. Ghulam Mohyudin says

    April 23, 2020 at 3:30 am

    Good to know that works too! I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2020 at 6:25 am

      Thank you!
      Reply

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I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

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