Vegetarian General Tso's Cauliflower

Ingredients

This recipe replaces the chicken with cauliflower, making it a vegetarian-friendly option. The sauce is also adapted to be vegetarian, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the ingredients and cooking techniques remain the same, ensuring that the dish still has the same bold flavors and crispy texture as the original. We alse have the original recipe for General Tso's Chicken, so you can check it out.

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 green onions, sliced 2 green onions, sliced

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 KJ
• Fat: 16g (2g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (16g sugars)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Add cauliflower florets and toss to coat.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower florets and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add soy sauce, vegetable broth, rice vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch mixture, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
4. 4.
   Add the crispy cauliflower back to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cauliflower — Make sure to cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets so that they cook evenly and become crispy.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, you can bake the cauliflower florets in the oven at 400F for 15-20 minutes before tossing them in the sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve hot and garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy cauliflower florets on a platter and pour the sauce over them. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with chopsticks.