Description
A vibrant and incredibly delicious recipe for sweet sour cauliflower, featuring crispy roasted florets coated in a tangy, sweet, and savory glaze with juicy pineapple chunks. Perfect as a main course or a flavorful side!
Ingredients
1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 2 tbsp juice if using canned)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
1/4 cup rice vinegar (unseasoned)
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water (or reserved pineapple juice)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender-crisp and lightly browned, flipping halfway through. Set aside.
Step 4: While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water (or reserved pineapple juice) to create a slurry.
Step 5: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 6: Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 7: Add the roasted sweet sour cauliflower florets and drained pineapple chunks to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to ensure all the cauliflower and pineapple are thoroughly coated.
Step 8: Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to meld with the cauliflower. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 9: Remove from heat. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving your delicious sweet sour cauliflower. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
For extra crispiness, you can lightly coat the cauliflower in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch before roasting. Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow for even browning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Vegetarian & Vegan
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg