Description
Korean bbq roasted cauliflower lettuce wraps blend global flavors with plant-based innovation. Crisp lettuce leaves cradle spicy, caramelized cauliflower, offering a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with each bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 8–10 large butter lettuce or romaine leaves
- ¼ cup (60 ml) gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) water
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- ½ cup (120 ml) shredded carrots
- ½ cup (120 ml) thinly sliced cucumber
- ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cooked rice or rice noodles
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 425F (220C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
- Floret Formation: Separate cauliflower into uniform pieces, thoroughly coating with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper to maximize flavor profile.
- Roasting Setup: Spread cauliflower across baking sheet in a single layer, allowing ample space between pieces to ensure optimal caramelization and crisp edges.
- Culinary Transformation: Roast cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, rotating tray midway to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration and tender interior.
- Sauce Crafting: Simultaneously prepare Korean BBQ sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking ingredients to create a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Flavor Infusion: Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and develops a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
- Coating Technique: Immediately toss hot roasted cauliflower with warm sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage of each floret.
- Wrap Assembly: Select crisp lettuce leaves as delicate wrapping vessels for the saucy cauliflower pieces.
- Final Presentation: Garnish with julienned carrots, cucumber slivers, chopped green onions, and toasted sesame seeds to add vibrant texture and complementary flavors, serving immediately while warm with optional rice or noodles.
Notes
- Roast Cauliflower Perfectly: Space florets evenly on baking sheet to prevent steaming and ensure crispy, caramelized edges with maximum flavor development.
- Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk Korean BBQ sauce continuously while simmering to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy texture that clings beautifully to cauliflower.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular sauce for gluten-free tamari, use low-sodium soy sauce for heart-healthy version, or create vegan option by checking sauce ingredients.
- Enhance Texture and Freshness: Choose sturdy lettuce like butter or romaine for wraps that won’t tear, and prep vegetables right before serving to maintain crisp, vibrant quality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg