Name: Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into small florets); 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 red bell pepper (sliced); 1/2 red onion (sliced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated); 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry); 1 green onion (sliced); 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

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If you’re craving a weekday dinner that comes together quickly and delivers bold flavor, Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry is about to become your new go-to dish. Picture golden cauliflower tossed with sweet bell peppers and onions, all bathed in a lip-tingling sauce that balances savory umami, tangy vinegar, and just the right kick of heat. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just love a vibrant veggie meal, this stir-fry brings loads of color, texture, and taste to the table with minimal fuss and maximum payoff.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry is that it uses a small lineup of ingredients, each playing a starring role in either flavor, crunch, or color. Fresh produce teams up with essential pantry sauces to deliver a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal you can adapt to suit your mood or fridge contents.

Cauliflower: Cutting your florets small ensures even cooking and lots of crispy, caramelized bits.
Vegetable oil: Just enough to give everything a gorgeous golden sear without being greasy.
Red bell pepper: Sliced for a burst of sweetness and vibrant color that complements the cauliflower beautifully.
Red onion: Adds a bit of bite and mellows as it stir-fries, blending perfectly with the other veggies.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish its unmistakable aroma and flavor foundation.
Fresh ginger: A little grated ginger delivers zingy brightness that perks up the whole stir-fry.
Soy sauce: Provides deep umami, tying together all the other flavors in the sauce.
Sriracha or chili garlic sauce: Use more or less to tailor the spice level to your liking.
Rice vinegar: Its tangy edge keeps the sauce from feeling heavy and wakes up every bite.
Sesame oil: Just a dash imparts toasty, nutty complexity at the finish.
Cornstarch slurry: Quickly thickens the sauce so it clings like a silky coat to every veggie.
Green onion: Sliced on top for fresh flavor and a pretty pop of green.
Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for crunchy texture and a touch of visual flair.

How to Make Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry

Step 1: Sear the Cauliflower

Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower florets in a single layer and let them cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring now and then. You want them to start picking up some golden spots and softening just a little, which creates irresistible texture in your Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry.

Step 2: Add Peppers and Onions

Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and red onion. Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes. As they cook, the veggies will soften but still retain a juicy snap and tons of color, turning your stir-fry into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic and Ginger

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for just 1 minute. You’ll notice the moment their aromas bloom, filling your whole kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation — make sure not to let them burn!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sriracha (or chili garlic sauce), rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This magical mix is where the Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry gets all its bold, balanced flavor — spicy, tangy, and just a touch nutty.

Step 5: Combine and Thicken

Pour the sauce over your sizzling veggies and toss to coat every piece evenly. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and keep things moving for 1–2 more minutes. The sauce will thicken up fast, blanketing the cauliflower and making sure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Pull the skillet off the heat and sprinkle on the sliced green onion and sesame seeds. These garnishes add brightness and crunch, transforming your Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry into a complete showstopper, ready for immediate devouring.

How to Serve Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! Scatter sliced green onions for a fresh, zippy bite and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for nutty crunch. If you have cilantro or a squeeze of lime on hand, they’re fantastic additions to bring a little more vibrancy to your Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry is delicious served atop fluffy steamed rice, tender noodles, or pillowy quinoa. If you’re feeling extra, tuck in a side of crisp cucumber salad or even some pan-fried tofu for a protein boost that transforms your Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry into a totally satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks or family-style dinners, try piling your stir-fry into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on option! Or serve over cauliflower rice for a double dose of veggie goodness. You can even ladle your Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry onto baked sweet potatoes for a cozy, fork-and-knife approach.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, so you’ll find leftovers taste just as lively — if not more — the next day.

Freezing

If you need to stash away extras, let your stir-fry cool completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers or bags. While the veggies may soften a bit upon thawing, the dish still holds up remarkably well and is a huge time-saver for future quick meals.

Reheating

Warm leftover Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. For single servings, the microwave does the trick — just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Can I add protein to Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry?

Absolutely! Cubed tofu, tempeh, or quick-seared chicken breast are all excellent additions. Just toss them in with the veggies or cook separately and stir together with the sauce for a heartier meal.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spiciness is totally adjustable: use more or less sriracha (or your favorite chili sauce) to reach your personal heat preference. For extra fiery flavor, throw in some chili flakes with the garlic and ginger!

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and your Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry stays completely gluten-free and safe for all eaters.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, you can use frozen florets in a pinch. Just let them thaw and pat dry before cooking to keep the stir-fry from becoming watery.

What vegetables can I swap or add?

Feel free to experiment: broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots all work wonderfully in place of or alongside the cauliflower. This recipe is endlessly flexible, so use whatever you love or need to use up in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dinner that delivers bold flavor and happy eaters with minimal effort, give Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry a try. It’s quick, satisfying, and loaded with possibilities — the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again!

Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free

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Description

Enjoy a flavorful and spicy cauliflower stir-fry that is both vegan and gluten-free. This Asian-inspired dish is quick to make and perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower Stir-Fry:

1 medium head cauliflower (cut into small florets)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1/2 red onion (sliced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry)

Garnish:

1 green onion (sliced)
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Heat vegetable oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Stir-fry cauliflower: Add cauliflower florets and cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly browned.
Add vegetables: Add red bell pepper and red onion, continue stir-frying for 3–4 minutes.
Flavor infusion: Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
Prepare sauce: Whisk soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl.
Coat vegetables: Pour sauce over vegetables, toss to coat.
Thicken sauce: Add cornstarch slurry, cook until sauce thickens.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.