Vegan food doesn’t need to be boring! This vibrant and flavoursome Vegan Sweet and Sour Cauliflower with Fried Brown Rice Recipe is the perfect dish to convert any skeptics. You can also use this recipe make sweet and sour tofu, which is delicious served with Fried Brown Rice.
Vegan Sweet and Sour Cauliflower with Fried Brown Rice Recipe
Serves 4
Ingredients:
660g cauliflower, cut into small florets
1/4 cup cornflour, plus 2 tbsp extra
1/4 cup plain flour
Vegetable oil, to fry
Purple shiso, to serve
Toasted white sesame seeds, to serve
Sweet and Sour Sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp chilli sauce (Sriracha)
2 tbsp Asian plum sauce
1/4 cup rice-wine vinegar
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
2 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 cup agave syrup
Fried Brown Rice
1 tbsp sesame oil
200g snake beans, cut into 4cm lengths
2 cups steamed brown rice, cooled
2 tbsp soy sauce
Method:
Place the cauliflower florets into a large bowl, season well with salt and gently toss with the 2 tablespoon of extra cornflour. Set aside.
To make the sweet and sour sauce, place the sesame oil, chilli sauce, Asian plum sauce, rice-wine vinegar, tomato ketchup, soy sauce and agave syrup in a medium bowl and mix well to combine. Set aside for later.
Place the cornflour and plain flour into a small bowl. Add 150ml of cold water and mix until just combined.
Fill a large saucepan two-thirds full with vegetable oil. Place over medium heat until the oil reaches 180°C on a deep-frying thermometer.
Working in batches, add the cauliflower to the cornflour batter, toss to coat, and then transfer to the saucepan and fry for 3 minutes.
Remove from pan and drain on absorbent paper towel, then toss in the sweet in sour sauce.
Meanwhile, to make the fried brown rice, heat the sesame oil in a large wok or frying pan. Add the chopped snake beans and then cook for 4 minutes, turning regularly. Add the steamed brown rice and soy sauce and cook for a further 2 minutes, or until heated through.
Serve the cauliflower on a bed of fried brown rice, topped with purple shiso leaves and a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds.
Smart Tip:
You can also make sweet and sour tofu by cutting firm tofu into 2cm pieces. Pat dry and toss in tablespoons of cornflour. Dip into the same batter and fry for 3 minutes. Toss in the sweet and sour sauce to serve.