Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

This Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) is a delightful dish that packs a punch of flavor while being crispy and tender. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. With its sticky and spicy gochujang sauce, it promises to be a favorite on your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of gochujang, garlic, and ginger creates a mouthwatering experience that lingers.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or an appetizer; it’s perfect for any occasion!
• Healthier Option: Air-frying reduces oil use while maintaining that coveted crunch.
• Vegan-Friendly: This recipe caters to plant-based diets without sacrificing taste or texture.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have all necessary tools ready to make the preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer or oven
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool ensures your cauliflower gets crispy without excessive oil, making it healthier.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for organized preparation of dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Whisk: A whisk helps to achieve the perfect batter consistency, ensuring even coating on the cauliflower.

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

For Topping

• 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 Your Cooking Device

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. If you’re opting for baking, set your oven to 425°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Line the air fryer pan with parchment paper. If baking, place a cooling rack on a baking sheet and then lay parchment onto the cooling rack. This helps achieve a crispier exterior.

Step 3: Cut the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into small florets for even cooking.

Step 4: Mix the Tempura Batter

In a large bowl:
1. Combine all dry ingredients for the tempura batter.
2. Gradually stir in the cold seltzer water until just combined. Aim for a thick pancake batter consistency; adjust with gluten-free flour if needed.

Step 5: Coat the Cauliflower

Coat each cauliflower floret evenly with tempura batter and arrange them in a single layer on your rack or air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.

Step 6: Cook the Cauliflower

Lightly spray or brush with oil:
– Air fry for about 17 minutes, flipping halfway through.
– Bake for approximately 20-22 minutes, also flipping halfway.

Enjoy your delicious Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower!

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

Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether as a main course or a side, its spicy and tangy flavors are sure to impress. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the cauliflower bites with a side of soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.

In Tacos

• Use small tortilla wraps to create spicy cauliflower tacos topped with avocado, cilantro, and lime juice.

On a Salad

• Toss the crispy cauliflower over a bed of mixed greens, adding sliced cucumbers and a sesame dressing for freshness.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Pair the cauliflower with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Drizzle with extra gochujang sauce for added flavor.

In Bowls

• Create Buddha bowls by layering the cauliflower with grains, roasted vegetables, and a dollop of hummus or tahini.

As a Snack

• Enjoy these bites straight from the air fryer as a healthy snack option for any time of day.

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

To achieve the best results when making Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower, follow these handy tips that help ensure crispiness and flavor.

• Use cold seltzer water: This helps create a light and airy batter that results in extra crispiness when cooked.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Give each piece space in the basket to ensure they cook evenly and remain crispy.

• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup or agave nectar to ¼ cup without affecting overall flavor.

• Flip halfway through cooking: This promotes even cooking and crispiness on all sides of the cauliflower.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add extra spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for an additional kick if desired.

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

Serving Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower alongside complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that pair nicely:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing out the flavors of the spicy cauliflower.
2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar offers a cool contrast to the heat of the gochujang.
3. Kimchi: Traditional fermented kimchi provides an umami kick that complements the dish beautifully.
4. Brown Rice: Nutty brown rice serves as a hearty base, soaking up all those delicious flavors from the cauliflower.
5. Spicy Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies add crunch and zest, enhancing your meal’s overall experience.
6. Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf with herbs makes for a light and nutritious side that pairs well with this dish.
7. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup brings warmth and comfort to your table, making it an ideal accompaniment.
8. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus drizzled with sesame oil adds sophistication and flavor contrast to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Not using cold seltzer water: The temperature of the seltzer water is crucial for creating a light and crispy batter. Always use extra cold seltzer for the best results.

• Overcrowding the air fryer: Placing too many cauliflower florets in the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there’s enough space between each piece for optimal air circulation.

• Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season your batter can result in bland cauliflower. Don’t forget to add salt and spices as specified in the recipe.

• Ignoring flipping: Failing to flip the cauliflower halfway through cooking can prevent even crispiness. Make sure you turn them over for a uniform texture.

• Using the wrong flour blend: Using a non-gluten-free flour might change the texture of your batter significantly. Stick to gluten-free blends or brown rice flour as recommended.

• Not monitoring cooking time: Every air fryer is different, and cooking times may vary. Keep an eye on your cauliflower to avoid burning or undercooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

• Place cooled cauliflower in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place cauliflower on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy.

• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Note that this method may make them less crispy.

• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat with a bit of oil until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang):

How spicy is Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)?

The spiciness can be adjusted based on how much gochujang you use. Start with less if you’re sensitive, then add more as desired.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used, but make sure it is thawed and drained before coating with batter for the best texture.

What can I serve with Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)?

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or as a topping on salads. It also makes a great appetizer or snack!

Is Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is completely plant-based, making it suitable for vegan diets.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers into the batter mix. You can also adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste. Give this flavorful dish a try; it’s sure to be a hit at your table!