Sweet Chilli Cauliflower is a flavorful and fragrant dish that makes an amazing appetizer or side. Crispy, golden-battered cauliflower bites are tossed in a rich homemade sweet chili sauce, then finished with fried kaffir lime leaves and fresh spring onions. This dish is the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it with jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp neutral oil (sunflower, vegetable, or rapeseed)

• 3 large mild red chilies

• 3 bird’s eye red chilies (optional, for added heat)

• 4 cloves garlic

• 1/2 tbsp gochugaru or Kashmiri chili powder (or paprika)

• 3 tbsp white granulated sugar

• 50 ml rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp light soy sauce

• 100 ml water

• 1 tbsp rice flour mixed with 3 tbsp water (slurry)

For the Batter:

• 100 g plain flour

• 45 g rice flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 150 ml water

• Oil for deep frying

For the Cauliflower:

• 500 g cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

• 2 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced

• 3 spring onions, finely sliced

• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Make the Sauce:

   • Grind the garlic and chilies in a pestle and mortar or food processor until coarse.

   • Heat oil in a pan and sauté the chili-garlic mixture for 2 minutes on medium-low heat.

   • Add gochugaru or chili powder, then sugar. Stir until the sugar caramelizes.

   • Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, and water. Simmer for 1 minute, then add rice flour slurry. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Batter:

   • Mix the plain flour, rice flour, and salt in a bowl.

   • Gradually add water to form a thick but pourable batter.

   • Toss cauliflower florets in the batter to coat evenly.

3. Fry the Cauliflower:

   • Heat oil to 185°C (365°F) for deep frying. Fry the cauliflower in batches until golden brown and crispy.

   • Remove the cauliflower with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

4. Fry the Lime Leaves:

   • Fry the sliced kaffir lime leaves for 1-2 seconds until crispy. Drain on paper towels.

5. Combine:

   • In a pan, heat the sweet chili sauce, then toss in the fried cauliflower, lime leaves, and spring onions. Stir until well coated and heated through.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with sesame seeds (optional). Serve immediately with jasmine rice or noodles.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 805.5 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 108.9g

• Protein: 13.9g

• Fat: 32g

• Sodium: 2113.6mg

• Fiber: 3.9g

• Sugar: 15.7g

The Allure of Sweet Chilli Cauliflower

The appeal of Sweet Chilli Cauliflower lies not only in its incredible taste but also in its texture. The cauliflower florets are battered and deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender interior of the cauliflower. This crispiness, combined with the rich, flavorful sweet chili sauce, creates an irresistible combination that makes it hard to stop eating. The crispy cauliflower also serves as a perfect vehicle for the bold, fragrant sauce, which brings a deep, savory umami flavor with a kick of heat from the chilies.

The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the level of spiciness according to your taste. If you’re a fan of more heat, the bird’s eye chilies can be added for an extra spicy kick, while those who prefer a milder version can leave them out or substitute with milder chilies. This flexibility makes Sweet Chilli Cauliflower a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their tolerance for spice.

The Key Ingredients That Define Sweet Chilli Cauliflower

At the heart of Sweet Chilli Cauliflower is the sweet chili sauce, which is made from a blend of garlic, chilies, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. The combination of these ingredients creates a sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet, with just enough acidity to balance the richness of the other flavors. The use of rice vinegar adds a tangy note that brightens the sauce, while the soy sauce provides depth and umami. The sugar helps to balance the heat of the chilies, creating a harmonious flavor profile that coats the cauliflower beautifully.

The batter for the cauliflower is another key component that contributes to the dish’s satisfying texture. A mixture of plain flour and rice flour gives the cauliflower a light, crispy exterior when deep-fried. Rice flour, in particular, is known for creating a delicate crunch, which complements the soft and tender cauliflower inside. The batter provides a golden coating that helps the sauce adhere to the cauliflower, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Fried kaffir lime leaves are used to garnish the dish, adding an aromatic and citrusy fragrance that elevates the overall flavor. Kaffir lime leaves are commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking for their unique and refreshing taste, and they bring an additional layer of complexity to the dish. Fresh spring onions also add a pop of color and a mild, oniony crunch that contrasts nicely with the rich and flavorful sauce.

Health Benefits of Sweet Chilli Cauliflower

While Sweet Chilli Cauliflower may seem like a indulgent dish, it offers some health benefits, especially when enjoyed in moderation. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is low in calories but high in fiber, making it a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, all of which support immune health, bone health, and cell function.

The sweet chili sauce adds some antioxidants to the dish, particularly from the chilies and garlic. Chilies contain capsaicin, a compound known for its metabolism-boosting properties and potential benefits for heart health. Garlic, on the other hand, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects, making it a great addition to any dish. By combining these healthy ingredients with the cauliflower, Sweet Chilli Cauliflower becomes a flavorful yet nutritious option for those seeking a satisfying and health-conscious meal.

Customizing the Dish to Suit Your Taste

One of the most exciting aspects of Sweet Chilli Cauliflower is how easily it can be customized to suit your personal taste. The level of spiciness in the dish can be adjusted to match your heat tolerance. For a milder version, you can use fewer bird’s eye chilies or opt for milder chili varieties. If you’re looking to kick up the heat, adding extra chilies or even some chili flakes can give the dish a fiery edge.

The sweet chili sauce itself can also be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the sugar content slightly, while those who like a more savory sauce can add a bit more soy sauce or even a dash of fish sauce for additional umami. The sauce is also versatile enough to incorporate additional ingredients like ginger or lime zest for an extra layer of flavor.

For a more substantial meal, you can serve Sweet Chilli Cauliflower with your choice of sides. While jasmine rice or noodles are a great pairing, you can also serve it with quinoa, fried rice, or even a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. The options are endless, making Sweet Chilli Cauliflower a highly adaptable recipe that can be tailored to any occasion or dietary preference.

Sweet Chilli Cauliflower for Meal Prep

Sweet Chilli Cauliflower is a great option for meal prep, as it can be made in advance and stored for later use. The crispy cauliflower can be stored separately from the sauce to maintain its texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the cauliflower and toss it in the sweet chili sauce. For added convenience, you can even pre-make the sauce and store it in an airtight container for several days, making the entire meal easy to assemble when you’re short on time.

This makes Sweet Chilli Cauliflower an excellent choice for busy individuals who want to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s also perfect for packing for lunches or serving at family gatherings, as it can be made in large batches and easily scaled to feed a crowd.

Serving Sweet Chilli Cauliflower: A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

Sweet Chilli Cauliflower is a dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply looking for a tasty weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. Its bold flavors and crispy texture make it a standout at any gathering, and its versatility allows it to be paired with a variety of other dishes. It can be served as a starter, a side dish, or even a main course, depending on how you choose to plate it.

For a complete meal, pair Sweet Chilli Cauliflower with jasmine rice or noodles, which provide a neutral base to balance the richness of the sauce. You can also add a side of sautéed vegetables or a light salad to enhance the dish’s nutritional value and freshness. The options are endless, making Sweet Chilli Cauliflower a great choice for any occasion.

Conclusion

Sweet Chilli Cauliflower is a delicious and satisfying dish that perfectly balances spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. With its crispy cauliflower, fragrant sweet chili sauce, and aromatic garnishes of kaffir lime leaves and spring onions, it offers a unique and flavorful take on traditional cauliflower dishes. Whether served as an appetizer, a side, or a main course, Sweet Chilli Cauliflower is sure to delight anyone who tries it. The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the spiciness and sweetness to suit your preferences, and it can be paired with a variety of sides for a complete meal. With its bold flavors, satisfying texture, and versatility, Sweet Chilli Cauliflower is a must-try recipe that is perfect for any occasion.