This Black Pepper Cauliflower recipe brings a burst of flavor to your table, combining the piquant taste of black pepper with the hearty texture of cauliflower. It’s a delicious and easy way to enjoy this versatile vegetable with an Asian-inspired twist.
Ingredients:
- 3 heaping cups (300g) cauliflower florets, from a small head of cauliflower
For the Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons cornstarch (or use tapioca starch for gluten-free)
For the Sauce:
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ inch ginger, minced
- 2 dried red chilies, such as cayenne (adjust based on heat preference)
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¾ cup chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon or more freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons cornstarch (or use tapioca starch for gluten-free)
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
Garnish:
- Green onion
- Sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Prep the Cauliflower:
- Wash and cut the cauliflower into florets, ensuring they are bite-sized for even cooking.
- Marinate the Cauliflower:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the cauliflower florets and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch over the cauliflower and toss again until well coated. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Cauliflower:
- Heat a skillet or a wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated cauliflower and fry until all sides are golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add 1 teaspoon oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies until aromatic.
- Add the red onion and celery and stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
- Mix in the soy sauce, maple syrup, black pepper, and white pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Combine 1.5 teaspoons of cornstarch with ½ cup water and pour into the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Cauliflower and Sauce:
- Add the fried cauliflower back to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the black pepper cauliflower to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot as a delightful side dish or a main over rice.
Tips:
- Adjust the Heat: You can modify the amount and type of chilies based on your heat tolerance.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
This Black Pepper Cauliflower is not only flavorful but also offers a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. It’s sure to be a hit with both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Enjoy your culinary creation!