This Spicy Cauliflower Beef Stir-Fry combines tender cauliflower florets and lean ground beef in a savory, sweet, and tangy sauce.
It’s an easy, nutritious dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bright and bold sauce – A mix of chili crunch, black vinegar, and honey for a perfect balance.
Healthy and hearty – Cauliflower adds volume and nutrients, beef adds protein.
Simple one-pan cooking – Minimal cleanup and fuss.
Customizable – Use coconut aminos for gluten-free or adjust heat level.
Great served over rice or your favorite grain.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Cauliflower florets – Bite-sized for quick cooking and great texture.
Extra lean ground beef – Adds protein and a rich flavor.
Tomato paste – Concentrated flavor to thicken and enrich the sauce.
Chili crunch – Gives spice and crunch with a smoky kick.
Black vinegar or rice vinegar – Adds tangy depth.
Scallions – Fresh aromatics with mild onion flavor.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use fresh cauliflower cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan to allow proper browning of cauliflower and beef.
Adjust chili crunch quantity to your preferred spice level.
Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
How to Make Spicy Cauliflower Beef Stir-Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together tomato paste, chili crunch, honey, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), black vinegar, water, and the white parts of scallions. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook Cauliflower
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add cauliflower and toss to coat in oil.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower has browned spots.
Transfer to a bowl and cover with a lid or plate to steam and finish cooking.
Step 3: Cook Beef
Add remaining olive oil to the skillet.
Add ground beef and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop a crust.
Break the beef apart and continue cooking until fully browned.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Combine
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Return cauliflower to the pan and toss everything together to combine evenly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the green parts of scallions on top.
Serve hot over steamed rice or cauliflower rice.
What to Serve It With
Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
Cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb option.
Steamed or roasted vegetables to add more greens.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for gluten-free.
Adjust chili crunch or omit for a milder dish.
Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Can be frozen for up to 1 month, thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but fresh works best for texture.
If using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat depending on how much chili crunch you add. Adjust to taste.
Can I make this vegan?
Swap beef for tofu or tempeh and use tamari or coconut aminos.
What can I use instead of black vinegar?
Rice vinegar is a good substitute with milder acidity.
Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, make the sauce in advance and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What if I don’t have chili crunch?
Try chili oil or crushed red pepper flakes as alternatives.
How do I keep the cauliflower crispy?
Don’t overcrowd the pan and cook cauliflower first until nicely browned.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Cauliflower Beef Stir-Fry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that balances heat, tang, and sweetness beautifully.
It’s easy to make, quick to cook, and perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying, healthy dinner.
Whether served over rice or enjoyed on its own, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Spicy Cauliflower Beef Stir-Fry
Ingredients
Method
- Mix tomato paste, chili crunch, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and scallion whites in a bowl; set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet.
- Add cauliflower; cook 4-5 mins until browned.
- Transfer to bowl and cover to steam.
- Add remaining oil; cook ground beef until browned with crust.
- Break apart to finish cooking.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/spicy-cauliflower-beef-stir-fry/
