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Crispy Curry Cauliflower

Featured in Sides That Steal the Show.

Here’s a trick to turn simple cauliflower into something irresistible. Season florets with curry powder, a bit of salt, and oil. Start by searing the pieces in a piping hot skillet for some golden spots, then roast them in the oven for the crispiness. It’s so flavorful and takes under 30 minutes. My picky eaters gobble it up—and I love that it’s easy! Bonus: squeeze some lemon before serving or throw on fresh herbs. Great reheated in the oven later too if you’ve got leftovers.
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Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 22:18:34 GMT
Crispy Curry Cauliflower Pin it
Crispy Curry Cauliflower | cookwithtaste.com

Golden Cauliflower in Half an Hour turns basic cauliflower into a crunchy, golden treat that'll win over anyone who's not keen on veggies. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you'll get perfectly flavored pieces with crunchy outsides and soft insides.

The first time I cooked this, my teens actually argued over who'd get the last bits. I now always make twice as much because everyone wants extra veggies - who would've thought!

Key Components

  • Whole cauliflower: pick one with firm, white clusters and no brown marks
  • Avocado oil: handles high heat for perfect browning
  • Shawarma spice or curry powder: gives richness and coziness
  • Kosher salt: brings out every taste
  • Raw garlic: turns mellow and toasty when cooked

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1:
Chop florets into same-sized chunks, roughly 1.5 inches across. Getting them all similar helps them cook evenly and get extra crunchy.
Step 2:
Mix cauliflower with oil and spices in a big bowl. Get your hands dirty to make sure every bit gets covered.
Step 3:
Get a big pan really hot. Spread cauliflower out so pieces aren't touching. Let them brown on one side before moving them around.
Step 4:
Move everything to a 425°F oven. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway, until edges get crunchy and middles turn soft.
Step 5:
Right before eating, sprinkle on fresh herbs and squeeze some lemon juice over the top.
Quick Crispy Cauliflower Pin it
Quick Crispy Cauliflower | cookwithtaste.com

My neighbor from the Mediterranean showed me that adding a bit of sumac at the end gives it a wonderful tangy kick. It's now my favorite finishing touch.

Heat Is Key

You need a super hot oven to get that perfect balance of crunchy outside and tender inside.

Ways To Enjoy

Eat it as a side, throw it in a grain bowl, or snack on it with some tahini sauce.

Keeping Leftovers

Store any extras uncovered in your fridge so they don't get soggy. Warm them up in a hot oven to bring back the crunch.

Flavor Twists

Play around with different spices - go for Italian herbs, taco seasonings, or just garlic and cheese for tasty changes.

Quick Crispy Cauliflower Pin it
Quick Crispy Cauliflower | cookwithtaste.com

This dish has turned so many cauliflower haters in my family into fans. It shows how basic ingredients and the right cooking method can turn everyday veggies into something you'll crave.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you make cauliflower crunchy?
Sear it first on the stove, then roast at 450°F, making sure not to crowd the pan for proper browning.
→ What other spices can I try?
Go with curry powder or swap it with a shawarma blend—they both taste great this way.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s better fresh, but any leftovers can last 3–4 days in the fridge.
→ Why is avocado oil recommended?
It handles high heat really well, making it perfect for roasting.
→ What toppings work well?
Add cilantro, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of tahini for extra flavor.

Crispy Curry Cauliflower

Toss cauliflower in curry spices, fry till golden in a hot pan, roast till crispy. An easy, flavorful dish in no time.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Milly

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired mix

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Cauliflower coating

01 One large cauliflower, broken into small pieces (discard stems and core)
02 1 tablespoon of avocado oil
03 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
04 1 tablespoon of curry spice or shawarma mix
05 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup, optional

→ Cooking oil

06 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil

→ Toppings to try

07 Chopped fresh cilantro
08 Toasted almond slivers
09 Tahini sauce

Instructions

Step 01

Switch on your oven to 450°F (232°C). Grab a large, oven-safe skillet with edges—cast iron works great.

Step 02

In a big bowl, mix the cauliflower pieces with oil, salt, spices of your choice, and maple syrup (if using), making sure everything gets coated evenly.

Step 03

Place your skillet on medium-high heat. Add enough oil to lightly cover the bottom. Once it’s hot, lay the cauliflower in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Stir every so often for about 5 minutes until golden and seared.

Step 04

Move the skillet to the oven, placing it on the middle shelf. Let the cauliflower roast for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. It should end up golden and crispy but not too soft.

Step 05

Sprinkle fresh cilantro, toasted almond slices, or drizzle tahini over the top (or all three!). It’s best enjoyed hot and crunchy.

Notes

  1. For best taste, eat it fresh, but leftovers can stay in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  2. These don’t freeze well, so avoid freezing.
  3. For toasted almonds, simply heat them in a dry pan on medium for about 5 minutes until golden.
  4. Don’t overcrowd the cooking pan to keep the cauliflower crunchy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet that can go in the oven (cast iron preferred)
  • Big bowl for mixing
  • Measuring spoons for accuracy

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Using almonds? Contains tree nuts.
  • Adding tahini? Contains sesame.