Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

This Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) is a delightful dish that brings the heat and flavor straight to your table. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or just a tasty snack, this vegan-friendly recipe offers a crispy texture and a spicy-sweet sauce that will impress everyone. The gochujang sauce adds a unique depth of flavor, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: Air frying creates a wonderfully crispy exterior without excess oil.
• Flavors: The gochujang sauce delivers a deliciously spicy kick balanced with sweetness.
• Vegan-Friendly: This dish is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for various diets.
• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or main course to suit your needs.

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Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer or oven
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet (if baking)
• Cooling rack (if baking)
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: Ensures a perfectly crispy cauliflower without deep frying.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy while allowing air circulation.
• Mixing bowls: Allows for easy preparation of batter and mixing ingredients.

Ingredients

This Korean Chili Cauliflower is tender, crispy, and coated in a sticky, spicy gochujang sauce. Baked or air-fried, it’s a flavorful vegan-friendly dish you’ll love!

For the Cauliflower

• 2 medium heads cauliflower (cut into florets, about 650g)

For the Tempura Batter

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free flour blend (or brown rice flour)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 ¾ cups seltzer water (extra cold)

For the Gochujang Sauce

• ½ cup maple syrup (or agave nectar; reduce to ¼ cup if sensitive to sweetness)
• 6 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium if sensitive to salt)
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 3 tbsp minced garlic (2-3 cloves)
• 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 5 tbsp Korean chili paste or sauce
• ¼ cup mirin

For Serving

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• toasted sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
• ¼ cup chopped green onion
• 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
• 1 lime

How to Make Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer or Oven

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F or your oven to 425°F if you prefer baking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cooking Surface

Line the air fryer pan with parchment paper. If baking, place a cooling rack on your baking sheet and put parchment on top. This helps achieve a crispier texture.

Step 3: Cut the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into small florets for even cooking.

Step 4: Make the Tempura Batter

In a large bowl:
1. Combine all dry ingredients for the batter.
2. Stir in cold seltzer water until just combined. Aim for a thick pancake batter consistency. If too thin, gradually add gluten-free flour until correct thickness is reached.

Step 5: Coat the Cauliflower

Evenly coat each floret with tempura batter. Place them in the air fryer basket or on the prepared baking sheet in one layer without overcrowding.

Step 6: Cook the Cauliflower

Spray with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil:
– Air fry for about 17 minutes, flipping halfway through.
– Bake for 20-22 minutes if using an oven, also flipping halfway.

Enjoy your flavorful Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower, perfect as an appetizer or main dish!

How to Serve Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or integrating it into a larger meal, this flavorful dish is sure to impress.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the cauliflower hot with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
• Pair with a vegan dipping sauce, like a spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce, to enhance the flavor.

In Tacos

• Use warm tortillas to wrap the crispy cauliflower along with fresh veggies and avocado for a delightful taco experience.
• Drizzle with extra gochujang sauce for an added kick.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Create a hearty bowl by placing the air-fried cauliflower over a bed of rice or quinoa.
• Add steamed vegetables and drizzle with soy sauce for a balanced meal.

With Salad

• Toss the crispy cauliflower into your favorite mixed greens salad.
• Top with sesame seeds and green onions for added texture and flavor.

As a Side Dish

• Serve alongside grilled vegetables or main dishes for a delicious accompaniment.
• The spicy flavors complement well with milder proteins like tofu or chicken.

How to Perfect Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower involves some simple tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish.

• Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Select firm and fresh cauliflower heads for the best taste and texture. Avoid any that are wilted or discolored.
• Use Cold Seltzer Water: The colder the seltzer water, the crispier your batter will be. This helps create that desired crunch when air-frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure you place the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the spice level by adding more gochujang if you prefer extra heat. Just keep balance in mind!
• Flip Halfway: Turn the cauliflower halfway through cooking to promote even browning on all sides, resulting in perfect crispiness.
• Let it Rest: Allow the finished dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps maintain its crispy texture before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

Complement your Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower with these delicious side dishes. They pair perfectly and enhance your dining experience.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out the spicy flavors of the cauliflower.
2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a cool contrast to the heat of gochujang.
3. Kimchi: This traditional side adds tangy flavors that work well with the spiciness of your cauliflower dish.
4. Brown Rice: Serve fluffy brown rice as a hearty base that soaks up all those delicious sauces from your meal.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness that complements the spicy notes of gochujang beautifully.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comforting flavors that pair nicely with this Korean-inspired dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang), it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for.

• Using the wrong flour: Make sure to use a gluten-free flour blend or brown rice flour for the best texture. Regular flour may not yield the same crispiness.
• Not checking the batter consistency: The batter should be thick like pancake batter. If it’s too thin, add more flour gradually to achieve the right consistency.
• Crowding the air fryer: Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Fry in batches if necessary for optimal crispiness.
• Skipping the oil spray: Lightly spraying or brushing with oil is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior. Don’t skip this step!
• Ignoring cooking times: Keep an eye on your cauliflower while cooking. Adjust time based on your air fryer model or oven type for perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but expect a softer texture.
• Stovetop: In a pan over medium heat, stir-fry with a little oil until warmed up.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang), we’ve got answers!

What is Gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from fermented soybeans, red chili powder, glutinous rice, and salt. It adds a unique umami flavor and heat.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To enhance the heat, increase the amount of gochujang used or add extra red pepper flakes to the batter.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) stores well and can be prepared ahead of time for quick meals during the week.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted with other vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts if you’re looking to mix things up.

Final Thoughts

Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different spices or even experimenting with dipping sauces. Try this recipe today for a delightful vegan dish that packs a punch!