Dry-Fried Cauliflower (Vegetarian)

Ingredients

• cauliflower — 500 g (1 small head), in small florets
• dried chilies — 6 pieces, halved
• garlic — 3 cloves, sliced
• soy sauce — 1.5 tbsp
• doubanjiang (chili bean paste) — 1 tbsp
• cooking oil — 2 tbsp
• sugar — 1/2 tsp

Steps (beginner-friendly)

1. Soak the florets in water 5 minutes, then drain and dry well; dry cauliflower sears, wet cauliflower steams.
2. Optional but recommended: blanch in boiling water 1 minute and drain thoroughly.
3. Heat the oil in a wok over medium heat; add the chilies and stir 20 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add garlic and doubanjiang; stir 20 seconds until the oil turns red.
5. Raise the heat to high, add cauliflower, and stir-fry 5-6 minutes until the edges brown and blister.
6. Add soy sauce and sugar, toss 1 minute until evenly coated.
7. Serve hot.