Name: Cashew Cauliflower Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup raw cashews; 1 onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Sesame seeds, for garnish

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This Cashew Cauliflower Stir Fry is a delightful mix of crispy cauliflower, crunchy cashews, and a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, it's both satisfying and flavorful, making it ideal for any time you're craving something light yet fulfilling.

Cashew Cauliflower Stir Fry

Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup raw cashews

1 onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Sesame seeds, for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets and sauté for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to brown and soften.

While the cauliflower cooks, toast the cashews in a separate small pan over low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cauliflower. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if you're using them).

Pour the sauce over the cauliflower mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Add the toasted cashews and toss everything together to combine.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Add other vegetables: You can easily add other vegetables to this stir-fry, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots, to make it even more colorful and nutritious.

Protein boost: If you want to make this a heartier meal, try adding some protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas.

Spicy twist: For more heat, increase the chili flakes or add a small diced fresh chili to the stir-fry.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cauliflower will remain flavorful and the cashews will stay crunchy.

Reheating: To reheat, place in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen cauliflower will work well, but be sure to thaw and drain it properly before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and toast the cashews ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine them when you're ready to cook.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

The recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses maple syrup instead of honey, and tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure it's gluten-free.

Can I substitute the cashews for another nut?

Yes, you can substitute the cashews with other nuts like almonds or peanuts, though cashews offer a nice creamy texture that complements the cauliflower best.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Conclusion

This Cashew Cauliflower Stir-Fry is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s so satisfying and healthy. With a balance of flavors and textures, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. The cashews add a lovely crunch, while the savory sauce brings everything together in a deliciously balanced way. Whether you're making it for yourself or serving it to friends and family, it's sure to be a hit!

Recipe:

Cashew Cauliflower Stir-Fry

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Cashew Cauliflower Stir-Fry is a delightful mix of crispy cauliflower, crunchy cashews, and a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, it's both satisfying and flavorful, making it ideal for any time you're craving something light yet fulfilling.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets and sauté for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to brown and soften.
While the cauliflower cooks, toast the cashews in a separate small pan over low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cauliflower. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if you're using them).
Pour the sauce over the cauliflower mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the toasted cashews and toss everything together to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cauliflower will remain flavorful and the cashews will stay crunchy.

Reheating: To reheat, place in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes.

Variations: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to make it even more colorful and nutritious.

Protein boost: Try adding tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.

Spicy twist: For more heat, increase the chili flakes or add a small diced fresh chili to the stir-fry.