KUNG PAO CAULIFLOWER

Kung Pao Cauliflower image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Time 16m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 tablespoons peanut oil
6 small dried hot chile peppers
1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 zucchini, cut into small cubes
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
6 scallions, sliced, whites and greens separated
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, plus more if needed
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon chili paste, plus more if needed
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lime, zested and juiced
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup shelled peanuts

Steps:

Heat the peanut oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high to high heat. Add the chile peppers, cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers and scallion whites. Cook, stirring, until the cauliflower has softened slightly and begins to char, about 5 minutes.
While the vegetables are cooking, stir together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, chili paste, ginger, sesame oil, garlic and lime zest and juice in a small pitcher. Whisk in the cornstarch until completely dissolved.
Reduce the heat to low and add the sauce. Cook, stirring continuously, until everything is coated in the sauce and the cauliflower is cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes, adding up to 1/4 cup water if it looks dry. Add the peanuts and toss to coat. Taste and add more chili paste or soy as desired. Serve hot in a bowl, garnished with the reserved scallion greens.