This Roasted Cauliflower Satay is a fun twist on a classic dish! The cauliflower is perfectly roasted to crispy perfection and served on skewers, making it a great finger food.
Dip it into that spicy peanut sauce, and you’re in for a treat! I usually make extra sauce—because who can resist a little extra? It’s a tasty way to enjoy your veggies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is key for roasting. If you can’t find it, broccoli or even Brussels sprouts can be great substitutes. Just keep an eye on roasting times as they cook differently.
Spices: Ground turmeric, cumin, and paprika create a vibrant flavor. If you’re out of one, try curry powder instead of turmeric and cumin; it adds a nice twist!
Peanut Butter: For the sauce, I always use creamy peanut butter for smoothness. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, almond butter or sunflower seed butter works just as well.
Coconut Milk: Canned coconut milk gives a creamy texture. If you prefer less calories or don’t have it, water or unsweetened almond milk can be used instead, though the flavor will change slightly.
How Do I Roast Cauliflower to Get It Perfectly Golden Brown?
Roasting cauliflower makes it tender and enhances its natural sweetness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures even cooking.
- Make sure to coat the florets evenly in olive oil and spices. This helps them caramelize nicely.
- Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- Flip the cauliflower halfway through cooking. This promotes even browning and prevents sticking.
- Keep an eye on the color, aiming for golden brown for that perfect texture!
How to Make Roasted Cauliflower Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roasted Cauliflower:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Red chili slices, for garnish
For the Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (or water)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to whip up this tasty dish! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help our cauliflower roast perfectly, giving it a nice golden color and tender texture.
2. Season the Cauliflower:
In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, ground turmeric, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each floret is well coated with the seasoning. This adds flavor and color to our dish!
3. Roast the Cauliflower:
Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets onto a baking sheet in a single layer. This will help them roast evenly. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through for even cooking. You want them to be golden brown and tender when done.
4. Make the Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce:
While the cauliflower is roasting, it’s the perfect time to prepare the spicy peanut dipping sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, lime juice, and minced garlic until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. Adjust the flavor with a little salt or more sriracha if you like it spicier!
5. Finish and Serve:
Once the cauliflower is roasted to perfection, take it out of the oven and drizzle with fresh lime juice. Garnish your roasted cauliflower with fresh cilantro leaves and slices of red chili for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm with the spicy peanut dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious and healthy snack or meal!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but you’ll need to adjust your roasting time. Frozen cauliflower often holds more moisture, so roast it for about 30-35 minutes at the same temperature and consider patting it dry to reduce excess water and enhance browning.
Can I Substitute the Peanut Butter?
Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter. If using sunflower seed butter, expect a slightly different taste, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover roasted cauliflower and dipping sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat the cauliflower, simply pop it back into the oven for a few minutes to crisp it up again, or gently warm it in the microwave.
Can I Make the Dipping Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the spicy peanut dipping sauce ahead of time! It can be stored in the fridge for up to one week. Just give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken in the refrigerator. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.
