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Sweet-and-Sour Cauliflower

Sweet-and-Sour Cauliflower

By Dimitri DemopolousOctober 17, 2023

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    30 minutes
  • Rating

This flavor-packed stir-fry utilizes our go-to sear and steam technique, yielding perfectly tender-crisp and caramelized cauliflower florets. They’re coated in a salty-sweet mixture of tangy rice vinegar, umami-rich hoisin sauce and fresh ginger, garlic and chili, contributing bright, zesty notes throughout. Serve as a side dish or as a vegetarian main with steamed rice.

Ingredients
  • ¼

    cup neutral oil

  • 1

    2½-pound head cauliflower, trimmed, cored and cut into 1-inch florets

  • Kosher salt

  • 2

    medium garlic cloves, minced

  • 1

    tablespoon minced fresh ginger

  • 1

    Fresno OR jalapeño chili, stemmed, seeded and thinly sliced

  • ¼

    cup unseasoned rice vinegar

  • ¼

    cup hoisin sauce

  • Optional Garnish:

  • Thinly sliced scallions OR chopped roasted peanuts OR toasted sesame seeds OR a combination

Step 1

In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high, heat the oil until barely smoking. Add the cauliflower and stir, then distribute evenly. Cook without stirring until beginning to brown on the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir, add ¼ cup water and ¼ teaspoon salt, then immediately cover. Cook until just tender and the liquid has evaporated, about 3 minutes, stirring once about halfway through. Add the garlic, ginger and chili; cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 2

Increase to medium-high, then add the vinegar, hoisin and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the cauliflower, 1 to 2 minutes.