You know that mouthwatering Korean Cauliflower from The Cheesecake Factory? It’s a total hit, right? Well, guess what—I’m going to show you how to whip it up at home!
This crispy, sweet, and spicy dish is a real crowd-pleaser, and with this step-by-step guide, you’ll have it sizzling in your kitchen in no time.
I’ll walk you through the whole process, including prep and cooking times, plus a handy list of the tools you’ll need. Let’s get started!
Delicious Korean Fried Cauliflower Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory’s Korean Fried Cauliflower is a must-try dish that perfectly balances crispy texture with bold, spicy-sweet flavors. Each cauliflower floret is coated in a light tempura batter, fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a savory Korean chili sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
Topped with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, and a hint of lime zest, this dish offers a delightful crunch and an explosion of taste in every bite. It’s an irresistible appetizer that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients for Cheesecake Factory Korean Cauliflower Recipe
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp honey
- ⅓ cup chili garlic sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ¼ tsp sriracha
- Green onion (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Lime zest (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (pinch)
Equipment & Tools Required
- Knife & Cutting board– For cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- Mixing bowls – For coating the cauliflower and mixing the sauce.
- Deep frying pan or pot – For frying the cauliflower.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – To handle the cauliflower during frying.
- Paper towels – For draining excess oil from the fried cauliflower.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
The Cheesecake Factory Korean Cauliflower Recipe
Step-01: Prepare the Tempura Batter
Start by preparing the tempura batter according to the instructions on the package. In a mixing bowl, add a pinch of salt and pepper to the batter for added flavor. Break the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets, and coat each piece thoroughly in the batter.
Step-02: Fry the Cauliflower
Heat your deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot filled with oil to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully add the battered cauliflower florets in small batches. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, which should take about 4 minutes. Once done, use tongs to remove the cauliflower and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step-03: Prepare the Korean Chili Sauce
While the cauliflower is frying, heat a non-stick sauté pan over medium heat. Add the low sodium soy sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, ginger powder, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha to the pan. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step-04: Combine the Cauliflower and Sauce
Once the sauce has simmered, add the crispy cauliflower florets to the pan. Toss the cauliflower in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
Step-05: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the saucy cauliflower to a serving bowl, mounding it nicely. Garnish with chopped green onion, sesame seeds, and lime zest for a burst of freshness. For an extra touch, serve with a side of ranch dressing in a small dish and a lime wedge.
Creative Serving Ideas for Cheesecake Factory Korean Cauliflower
1. Steamed White Rice: Serve the Korean Cauliflower over a bed of steamed white rice for a simple, satisfying meal that balances the bold flavors with something light and fragrant.
2. Kimchi: Add a side of kimchi for an authentic Korean touch. The tangy, spicy fermented cabbage pairs well with the sweet and spicy cauliflower.
3. Asian Slaw: Prepare an Asian-style slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing. The crunch and freshness will contrast nicely with the crispy cauliflower.
4. Garlic Noodles: Serve the cauliflower alongside a bowl of garlic noodles. The savory and umami-rich flavors of the noodles complement the dish perfectly.
5. Lettuce Wraps: For a fun and interactive meal, serve the cauliflower with large lettuce leaves and a variety of toppings like pickled vegetables, herbs, and a drizzle of hoisin or soy sauce.
6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds is a cooling side that cuts through the richness of the fried cauliflower.
7. Sticky White Rice with Nori: Add a side of sticky white rice sprinkled with crumbled nori (seaweed) for an added umami boost and a touch of sea-inspired flavor.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: Serve the cauliflower with a side of sweet potato fries. The sweetness of the fries complements the spicy sauce, creating a delicious sweet and spicy combo.
9. Miso Soup: Start your meal with a warm bowl of miso soup. The light and savory broth is a great way to balance the bold flavors of the main dish.
10. Sesame Soba Noodles: Pair the cauliflower with cold sesame soba noodles tossed in a soy-sesame dressing. The nutty flavor of the noodles and the chilled preparation offers a refreshing contrast to the dish.
Tips on Cheesecake Factory Korean Cauliflower Recipe
1. Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower ensures the best texture and taste. Look for firm, white heads with tightly packed florets and minimal browning.
2. Keep the Batter Cold: For a light and crispy coating, make sure the tempura batter is cold. You can even place the mixing bowl over ice to maintain the temperature.
3. Cut Uniform Florets: Try to cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets. This ensures that they cook at the same rate, giving you perfectly crispy bites.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Fry the cauliflower in small batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer. This helps maintain the oil temperature, resulting in crispier cauliflower.
5. Drain Properly: After frying, drain the cauliflower on paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps the cauliflower from becoming soggy when added to the sauce.
6. Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce or sriracha. For more heat, add extra sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
7. Simmer the Sauce Gently: When making the Korean chili sauce, simmer it over medium heat. This allows the flavors to meld without burning the sugars in the sauce.
8. Toss Quickly: Once the cauliflower is added to the sauce, toss it quickly but gently to coat each piece evenly. Over-tossing can make the cauliflower lose its crispiness.
9. Add Garnishes Last Minute: To keep the green onion, sesame seeds, and lime zest fresh and vibrant, add them right before serving. This preserves their flavor and texture.
10. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the dish immediately after cooking. The cauliflower is at its crispiest and most flavorful when fresh.
How to Store Leftover Korean Fried Cauliflower Cheesecake Factory?
To store leftover Korean Fried Cauliflower from The Cheesecake Factory, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 2 days. To maintain its crispiness, reheat the cauliflower in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cauliflower soggy.
Cheesecake Factory Korean Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp honey
- ⅓ cup chili garlic sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ¼ tsp sriracha
- Green onion for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Lime zest for garnish
- Salt and pepper pinch
Instructions
- Start by preparing the tempura batter according to the instructions on the package. In a mixing bowl, add a pinch of salt and pepper to the batter for added flavor. Break the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets, and coat each piece thoroughly in the batter.
- Heat your deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot filled with oil to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully add the battered cauliflower florets in small batches. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, which should take about 4 minutes. Once done, use tongs to remove the cauliflower and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.
- While the cauliflower is frying, heat a non-stick sauté pan over medium heat. Add the low sodium soy sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, ginger powder, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha to the pan. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the sauce has simmered, add the crispy cauliflower florets to the pan. Toss the cauliflower in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer the saucy cauliflower to a serving bowl, mounding it nicely. Garnish with chopped green onion, sesame seeds, and lime zest for a burst of freshness. For an extra touch, serve with a side of ranch dressing in a small dish and a lime wedge.
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Notes
Common queries on Cheesecake Factory Korean Cauliflower Recipe
These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Cheesecake Factory Korean Cauliflower Recipe
1. Are the Korean Fried Cauliflower at Cheesecake Factory vegan?
Yes, the Korean Fried Cauliflower at The Cheesecake Factory is vegan. It’s made with cauliflower, tempura batter, and a spicy Korean sauce, all of which are plant-based. However, always check with the restaurant to ensure that no animal-derived products are used in the preparation.
2. How many calories is the Korean fried cauliflower Cheesecake Factory?
The Cheesecake Factory’s Korean Fried Cauliflower has approximately 960 calories per serving. The calorie count can vary slightly based on portion size and specific ingredients used.
3. How many calories are in Korean fried cauliflower?
The calorie content of homemade Korean fried cauliflower can vary depending on the ingredients and preparation method. On average, a serving can contain between 200-400 calories, depending on factors like the amount of oil used for frying and the quantity of sauce.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free tempura mix and ensuring that the soy sauce and any other sauces used are also gluten-free.
5. Can I bake the cauliflower instead of frying it?
Absolutely! For a healthier alternative, you can bake the battered cauliflower in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. This reduces the amount of oil used and cuts down on calories.
6. What can I use as a substitute for chili garlic sauce?
If you don’t have chili garlic sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of sriracha and minced garlic, or use another type of Asian-style hot sauce like gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a similar spicy flavor.
7. Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Korean chili sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat the sauce gently before tossing it with the freshly fried cauliflower.
8. How do I keep the cauliflower crispy after frying?
To keep the cauliflower crispy, serve it immediately after tossing it in the sauce. If you need to prepare it in advance, you can fry the cauliflower ahead of time and reheat it in a hot oven before serving, then toss it in the sauce right before serving.
9. Can I add more vegetables to this Korean Cauliflower Recipe?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to this dish. Just prepare them in the same way as the cauliflower by battering and frying, or sautéing them before adding to the sauce.
10. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh for the crispiest texture, you can prepare the components separately for meal prep. Keep the fried cauliflower and sauce separate and combine them just before eating. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
Enjoy this flavorful Korean Cauliflower dish that brings a taste of The Cheesecake Factory into your home!
hether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something special, this recipe is sure to impress. Serve it as an appetizer or pair it with your favorite main course for a complete meal.
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