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Cauliflower with Salty-Sweet Chili Crisp Sauce

Cauliflower with Salty-Sweet Chili Crisp Sauce

By Dimitri DemopolousOctober 17, 2023

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    40 minutes
  • Active time plus cooling
    15 minutes active
  • Rating

Sweet, salty and tangy with a chili kick, this kung pao-inspired cauliflower makes a great starter, side dish or rice-bowl topper. Utilizing our easy oven-frying method, we coat the cauliflower in a mixture of oil and cornstarch before roasting in a hot oven; this yields florets that are golden-crisp on the outside, yet tender within. A sauce of spicy chili crisp, punchy rice vinegar and umami-rich soy sauce, all rounded out by brown sugar, contributes a vibrant reddish hue and bright, layered flavor.

Ingredients
  • ½

    cup cornstarch

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 2 to 2½

    pound head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch florets

  • ⅓

    cup neutral oil

  • 2

    tablespoons chili crisp

  • 2

    tablespoons soy sauce

  • 2

    tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar

  • 2

    tablespoons firmly packed light OR dark brown sugar

Step 1

Heat the oven to 475°F with a rack in the middle position. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¾ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with the oil, using your hands to rub the oil into the florets. Sprinkle with the cornstarch mixture and toss, pressing the cornstarch into the cauliflower. Transfer the florets to a rimmed baking sheet, shaking off excess cornstarch and turning the pieces cut side down as much as possible. Roast until golden brown on the bottom, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the chili crisp, soy sauce, vinegar and sugar; set aside.

Step 3

Using a wide metal spatula, flip the cauliflower, then roast until deep golden brown, another 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter and drizzle with the chili crisp mixture.

Step 4

Optional garnish: Chopped roasted peanuts OR chopped fresh cilantro OR thinly sliced scallions OR a combination