Korean BBQ Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps: A Flavor Explosion
Forget boring salads! These Korean BBQ Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps are a game-changer. Imagine tender, roasted cauliflower, generously coated in a sweet and savory Korean-inspired BBQ sauce, all nestled in crisp butter lettuce. Topped with crunchy peanuts, fresh chives, and a creamy, spicy mayo, each bite is a burst of flavor and texture.
These wraps aren't just delicious; they're also surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy is simply irresistible.
- Healthy: Packed with veggies and healthy fats, this recipe is a guilt-free indulgence.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a straightforward process mean you can enjoy this dish in under an hour.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite toppings or add a protein like ground turkey or tofu.
Let's Get Cooking!
The magic starts with roasting the cauliflower to perfection. This brings out its natural sweetness and creates a wonderful texture. While the cauliflower roasts, whip up a simple yet incredibly flavorful Korean BBQ-inspired sauce that will coat each floret. Toss the roasted cauliflower in the sauce then, assemble your wraps with lettuce and all of the toppings, and get ready to feast!
Ingredients:
For the Cauliflower Wraps:
- 6-8 cups small cauliflower florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6-8 large butter lettuce leaves
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
- 2 tablespoons minced chives
- Spicy mayo (1/4 cup mayo mixed with 1 teaspoon sriracha, or to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic
- 1-inch knob fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (or other spicy chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
- Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil and salt. Roast for 30 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Simmer in a saucepan over low heat until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the roasted cauliflower, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Assemble: Spoon the sauced cauliflower into lettuce cups. Top with peanuts, chives, and a drizzle of spicy mayo.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately and prepare to be amazed.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra protein, add cooked ground turkey, chicken, or tofu to the cauliflower mixture.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili paste.
- If you don't have sambal oelek, sriracha or another chili paste can be used as a substitute.
- Feel free to substitute other nuts or seeds for peanuts, such as cashews, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds.
- Romaine lettuce can be substituted if butter lettuce is unavailable.
These Korean BBQ Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps are truly a must-try. They are easy, flavorful, and a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. So, get cooking, and prepare to be amazed by the explosion of flavors!