Crispy vegan black pepper cauliflower tossed in a bold, savory sauce. A flavorful plant-based appetizer or dinner recipe.
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or for frying)
Black Pepper Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
👩🍳 Instructions
First, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat oil in a pan if frying.
Next, toss the cauliflower florets with cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and olive oil until well coated.
Then, spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and onion, then sauté until fragrant.
Next, stir in soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, black pepper, and vegetable broth.
Then, add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
Finally, toss the crispy cauliflower in the black pepper sauce and serve hot.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Extra crispy: Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and tamari.
- Spicy twist: Add chili paste or red pepper flakes.
- No-oil option: Bake with parchment paper.
- Asian-style: Add ginger and sesame oil.
🌟 Benefits of Vegan Black Pepper Cauliflower
First, cauliflower is low in calories yet rich in fiber.
Additionally, black pepper supports digestion and metabolism.
Moreover, baking instead of frying reduces excess oil.
Furthermore, this dish is naturally vegan and customizable.
In addition, it works as an appetizer, side, or main dish.
Finally, it delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
To make this dish kid-friendly, reduce the black pepper and skip the onion. Serve the cauliflower plain and offer the sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with rice or noodles for a familiar, comforting meal
