Description
A quick and flavorful stir-fried cauliflower dish cooked with a tangy tomato sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. Perfect as a vegetarian main or side dish, this recipe balances tender yet crisp cauliflower with rich, savory tomato flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 10 oz Chinese cauliflower florets or regular cauliflower (about 1/2 head cauliflower)
- 1 tomato, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Oils
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Set a large bowl filled with water aside to cool the cauliflower after blanching.
- Blanch Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add cauliflower florets and boil for 2 minutes until the stems are half cooked but still crisp. Turn off the heat and immediately transfer cauliflower to the bowl of water to stop cooking and preserve texture. Drain thoroughly.
- Heat Oil and Garlic: Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add sliced garlic and stir a few times until fragrant, taking care not to burn.
- Cook Tomato Base: Add diced tomato to the skillet and stir. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the tomatoes are very softened. Then add tomato paste and mix well to incorporate.
- Season Sauce: Add sugar to the tomato mixture to balance acidity, adjusting sweetness to taste.
- Combine Cauliflower and Sauce: Add the drained cauliflower back into the skillet. Sprinkle salt over the mixture. Carefully stir with a spatula to coat the cauliflower evenly in the tomato sauce. Cook until cauliflower reaches desired tenderness, adjusting seasoning by adding more salt or sugar if needed.
- Serve: Transfer the stir-fried cauliflower with tomato sauce to a plate and serve hot as a main dish or side.
Notes
- Use Chinese cauliflower if available for a more delicate texture, but regular cauliflower works well.
- Blanching cauliflower briefly helps maintain a crisp texture after stir-frying.
- Adjust sugar and salt according to your taste preference to balance the tomato acidity.
- Peanut oil is preferred for its flavor, but any vegetable oil works.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: Stir-fried Cauliflower, Tomato Sauce, Vegetarian Chinese Recipe, Quick Stir-fry, Healthy Vegetable Dish
