A gorgeous platter of caramelized, lightly charred cauliflower florets sit atop a vibrant red Szechuan sauce. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and slivers of scallion crown this inviting dish, evoking warmth against the backdrop of a crisp day.

Sizzling Szechuan BBQ Cauliflower

Name: Sizzling Szechuan BBQ Cauliflower
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: one large head cauliflower, 1 cut into bite-sized florets; sesame oil, 2 tablespoons; garlic, 4 cloves minced; ginger, 1 tablespoon finely chopped; Szechuan peppercorns, 1 teaspoon crushed; Chinese five-spice, 1 teaspoon; soy sauce or Tamari, 3 tablespoons; rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon; Sriracha sauce, 2 tablespoons; brown sugar, 1 tablespoon; cornstarch, 1 tablespoon dissolved in water; sesame seeds, for garnish; scallions, 1 tablespoon finely sliced; salt, to taste

Category BBQ

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 15 minutes

Style Chinese

Technique Barbecuing

Diet Friendly Vegan

Daily Recipe: January 18, 2026

Take your taste buds on a ride with this stunning recipe that merges the charm of Chinese cuisine with the smokey delight of barbecuing! Our star ingredient, Cauliflower, turns into a mouth-watering masterpiece with bold Chinese flavors while playing up to the season's delight.

Ingredients (for 4)

One large head cauliflower - 1 - cut into bite-sized florets
Sesame oil - 2 tablespoons
Garlic - 4 cloves - minced
Ginger - 1 tablespoon - finely chopped
Szechuan peppercorns - 1 teaspoon - crushed
Chinese five-spice - 1 teaspoon
Soy sauce or tamari - 3 tablespoons
Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
Sriracha sauce - 2 tablespoons
Brown sugar - 1 tablespoon
Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon - dissolved in water
Sesame seeds - for garnish
Scallions - 1 tablespoon - finely sliced
Salt - to taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🔥🍗🌡️

Pre-heat your BBQ griddle to medium-high heat.
Step 2 - 🥦🧂🍳

Toss the cauliflower florets in sesame oil and a pinch of salt, then grill until nicely charred and tender.
Step 3 - 🍳🧄🌱

In a pan over medium heat, sauté the garlic and ginger in a splash of sesame oil until fragrant.
Step 4 - 🥄🔥💧

Add the crushed Szechuan peppercorns, Chinese five-spice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Sriracha sauce, and brown sugar to the pan. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
Step 5 - 🌽🥣🌀

Stir in the dissolved cornstarch and let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
Step 6 - 🥦🥣🔁

Once the cauliflower is done, toss it in the prepared Szechuan sauce until evenly coated.
Step 7 - 🌿🌾🍽️

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions before serving.

Additional

You can make this dish more protein-rich by adding tofu or tempeh. You may also adjust the heat level by adding more or less Sriracha sauce according to taste. Kids can help by washing and breaking down the cauliflower, stirring the sauce, or garnishing the finished dish.