Vegetarian Crispy Cauliflower Food

QUICK CRISPY CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (232 C) and get out a large, oven-safe rimmed skillet (we prefer cast iron).
• Add chopped cauliflower to a large mixing bowl and top with oil, salt, seasonings of choice, and maple syrup (optional for a bit of sweetness). Toss to coat (see photo).
• Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add just enough oil to coat the pan (about 1-2 Tbsp / 15-30 ml as recipe is written - adjust amounts as needed if adjusting serving size).
• Heat oil for 1 minute. Then add cauliflower (add only as much will fit comfortably in the pan - crowding will lead to soggy cauliflower) and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring / tossing occasionally until your cauliflower has a slight sear / golden brown exterior.
• Carefully transfer pan to the preheated oven and bake on the center rack for 10-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking, until the cauliflower is golden brown and cooked through. It should be tender with a slight bite and crispy edges.
• Garnish with desired herbs or nuts, such as cilantro and slivered almonds (optional), and serve immediately. We also like adding a drizzle of fresh tahini (also optional) for another layer of flavor and creamy texture.
• Store cooled leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days. Not freezer friendly. Best when fresh for optimal texture.

STICKY CRISPY CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
• Liberally grease 2 parchment-lined baking sheets with olive oil.
• In a medium-large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic, ginger, and salt. Make a well in the middle and stir in the sparkling water, whisking with a fork to form a smooth batter.
• Add the cauliflower florets and gently toss to coat them evenly in the batter.
• Place the florets onto the baking sheets, allowing a space between each piece to help them crisp up in the oven (if they are too close, they will steam each other). Bake, turning once, until crispy and golden brown, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce: Place the brown sugar, ketchup, tamari, vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha and garlic in a small saucepan. Using a wooden spoon, mix well and bring to a gentle, bubbling simmer. Cook, stirring often, until it reduces into a glossy consistency that coats the back of the wooden spoon, about 10 minutes.
• Remove the cauliflower from the oven and tip into a bowl. Drizzle over the sweet and sour sauce, add most of the cilantro and scallions, leaving some behind for garnish, and gently toss to coat each floret.
• Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle over the remaining cilantro and scallions before serving. Enjoy.