Cauliflower Oriental
A flavorful Chinese-inspired cauliflower dish with tender vegetables and savory soy sauce, perfect for vegetarians and those seeking a quick, healthy, and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cauliflower and water in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cook in microwave covered on Full power for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Let stand covered.
- Combine onion, celery, parsley, and butter in a 1-quart dish.
- Cook on Full power for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender, stirring halfway through.
- Dissolve chicken bouillon in boiling water; blend in cornstarch, soy sauce, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce into the onion mixture.
- Cook on Full power for 2 minutes or until thick, stirring halfway through.
- Drain cauliflower.
- Place cauliflower in serving dish.
- Spoon sauce over the cauliflower.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding toasted sesame oil to the sauce. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked cauliflower or frozen cauliflower. You can also substitute butter with olive oil for a healthier option. For a protein boost, add cooked chicken or shrimp to the dish, which pairs beautifully with Delicious Chicken Wings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a vibrant side to grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian meal. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Barbecue Oriental Chicken or any of your favorite chicken recipes. Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cauliflower and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, covered, to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Avoid freezing as the texture may suffer upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cauliflower Oriental contains roughly 137 calories, with 4g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1731mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it is tender. Keep in mind that frozen cauliflower may release more water, so you might want to drain it before serving.
What can I substitute for chicken bouillon?
You can substitute chicken bouillon with vegetable broth or homemade stock for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the salt levels, as some broths can be saltier than bouillon.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the sauce. This will enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish, making it a delightful accompaniment.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).