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Vegan Kung Pao Stir-Fry with Crispy Cauliflower Nuggets

Authentic Kung Pao Flavor – Sweet, Tangy, Spicy & Crunchy

30 Min.

Preparation

1. Prepare the Cauliflower Nuggets:
Cut the cauliflower into small florets. In a bowl, mix flour, starch, plant milk, and soy sauce until smooth. Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter, then spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet without touching. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (430°F) for about 20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

2. Cook the Rice:
Cook rice according to the package instructions in salted water until soft and fluffy. Keep warm.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Finely chop garlic and ginger, dice the bell pepper. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the garlic, ginger, and bell pepper with pepper and chili flakes to taste. Cover with a lid and simmer on medium heat for 5 minutes. Add a splash of water if needed.

4. Make the Kung Pao Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine water, soy sauce, vinegar, and agave syrup. Heat gently, then whisk in the starch. Add paprika and chili powder and simmer while stirring until the sauce thickens.

5. Final Assembly & Serving:
Add the crispy cauliflower nuggets to the sautéed vegetables in the pan. Pour over the Kung Pao sauce and gently toss to combine. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and peanuts. Serve with rice and optional vegan skewers.

 

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Salt: 1.2 g

 

Ingredients:

(Serves 3–4)

For the Cauliflower Nuggets:

  • 1 head of cauliflower
    70 g (½ cup) flour
    30 g (¼ cup) starch
    150 ml (⅔ cup) plant milk
    1 tbsp soy sauce

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • Pepper and/or chili flakes to taste
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • Peanuts (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp oil for frying

For the Sauce:

  • 120 ml (½ cup) water
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp vinegar (e.g., rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 tbsp agave syrup
  • 1 tbsp starch
  • ½ tsp paprika powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder (or to taste)

For the Sides:

  • 200 g (1 cup) rice (e.g., jasmine or basmati)
  • Vegan skewers (e.g., tofu or seitan, store-bought or homemade)

 

This vegan Kung Pao stir-fry combines bold, sweet-spicy flavors with crispy cauliflower nuggets and colorful sautéed veggies. It's a flexible dish that shines on its own or gets a hearty upgrade with fluffy rice and savory vegan skewers. Quick, healthy, and packed with flavor – ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anyone craving a plant-based Asian classic! vegan kung pao stir fry kung pao cauliflower recipe vegan cauliflower stir fry easy asian vegan recipes vegan kung pao recipe crispy cauliflower vegan high protein vegan dinner vegan asian meal meal prep vegan kung pao tofu gluten free kung pao vegan seitan stir fry asian cauliflower vegan dinner idea dairy free kung pao sauce vegan family meal vegan stir fry with rice

 

© Cornelia Brückner. All rights reserved.