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Roasted Cauliflower with Five Spice

A delightful Asian-inspired dish that transforms cauliflower with five spice powder, elevating it from ordinary to extraordinary.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Asian, Vegan
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 500 g cauliflower florets (about one medium head) Choose firm, fresh heads; organic if possible for better flavor.
  • 3 Tbsp vegetable oil plus more for frying garlic Neutral oils like canola or sunflower also work well.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Sea salt or kosher salt is ideal for that added flavor richness.
  • 1/8 tsp ground white pepper You can substitute with black pepper if necessary.
  • 1 tsp sugar To balance the savory flavors.
  • 1/4 tsp five spice powder A must-have for this recipe; check Asian grocery stores for authentic blends.
  • 3-5 pieces dried Thai chilies Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
  • 8 cloves garlic Fresh is key! Can be adjusted based on your garlic love.
  • 2 tsp soy sauce Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt levels.
  • 1-2 pieces green onions, chopped Freshness is always welcome!

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  2. Toss the cauliflower florets in 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil until they’re well coated. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
  3. Roast for 10 minutes, then stir and return to the oven for another 4-5 minutes until they reach a beautiful golden color.
  4. In a bowl, combine the salt, sugar, ground white pepper, and five spice powder. Set aside.
  5. In a hot wok (or pan), add a bit more vegetable oil and toss in the chopped garlic. Stir until it turns golden brown, then strain out the oil.
  6. Toast the dried chilies in the same wok for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
  7. Add the roasted cauliflower to the wok, sprinkle with your seasoning mix, and pour the soy sauce around the edges. Toss gently until everything is well combined.
  8. Mix in half of the fried garlic and chopped green onions. Plate and top with the remaining garlic and green onions.
  9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet to get that perfect roasty flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste.