Kung Pao Cauliflower from Your Slow Cooker!

There’s a new kind of take-out in town — take (it) out of your slow cooker! This Kung Pao Cauliflower is so easy to make in your crockpot, and you can sub out seitan, chickpeas, or even cubed tofu for the cauliflower to make this dish your own. It’s the perfect plant-based replacement for Kung Pao Chicken!

It’s so easy to make Kung Pao Cauliflower in your slow cooker!

I know it may seem counter-intuitive to make a stir-fry in your slow cooker, but it’s time to think outside the box. Any recipe that isn’t full of super-quick-cooking veggies can be converted to a slow cooker dish. 

Want more vegan slow cooker recipes?

This vegan Kung Pao recipe is from the Revised Edition of my first book, The Vegan Slow Cooker. It has over 100 vegan and plant-based recipes for your crockpot.

In this latest edition, I added lots of new oil-free, gluten-free, and other special dietary options to make the cookbook much more inclusive. 

Be sure to try my cabbage steak and potatoes and mushroom congee recipes from this book, too!

Is Kung Pao vegan?

It’s rare to see Kung Pao described as “Kung Pao” alone—at least when you’re talking about detailed recipes. Typically you’d see “Kung Pao chicken” instead, and it’s a stir-fry, spicy Chinese dish made with cubes of chicken.

If you’re looking for a vegan version, there’s Kung Pao Tofu, and of course, Kung Pao Cauliflower—which is exactly the recipe we have down below.

How can I make this gluten-free?

In the recipe, I suggest using coconut aminos, but I usually use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce. 

Is this Slow Cooker Kung Pao oil-free?

Made as is, it is not. But just leave out the sesame oil and top with some toasted sesame seeds. Can’t have seeds? Leave them out too!

What can I use in place of cauliflower?

That’s a great question. In fact, originally the recipe was Kung Pao seitan, but now I can’t have gluten, so cauliflower was my next choice.

But you could use a drained and rinsed can of chickpeas, cubed firm tofu, or cubed tempeh. In a pinch, potatoes would be delicious too. 😉

Why use cauliflower?

It’s naturally high in fiber and B-vitamins. Cauliflower has antioxidants and phytonutrients, and these offer great protection against cancer.

Its fiber content can help with weight loss and get rid of your digestion problems. Aside from that, cauliflower contains choline, an essential factor for enhancing memory and learning.

Some great ideas to make with cauliflower

I’d say, there’s a lot. You can fry, mash, or roast it. Alternatively, cauliflower is perfect for side dishes, soups, salads, casseroles, or even rice!

Among my favorite cauliflower dishes are cauliflower po’boy sandwich and potato cauliflower curry. In case you wanted to explore the world of cauliflower cuisine, I compiled nine of my very best vegan recipes using this versatile veggie. Check them out here.

Is Kung Po sweet?

Kung Po—also referred to as Kung Pao Sauce—comes in a mild spicy flavor in brownish color. It’s a mix of salty, sweet, and vinegary tastes.

What is Kung Pao Sauce made of?

The Kung Pao sauce and marinade use soy sauce, chicken broth, vinegar, cornstarch, and chili paste. For vegans, we use vegan chicken-flavored broth. Both the sauce and marinade make the dish more flavorful! It also has Szechuan peppers (known as Sichuan peppercorns).

Is there a difference between Szechuan and Kung Pao?

Well, their main difference is that Kung Pao is a dish, while Szechuan is a cuisine style.

Kung Pao Cauliflower: Ingredients You’ll Need

You need to remember at least three things when making this spicy, flavorful dish. First is the sauce—the secret to Kung Pao’s savory goodness. Second, you’ll need to prep the veggies that go inside the slow cooker.

For the third group of ingredients—well, they’re not really part of the Kung Pao per se but will complement the main dish very well.

For the Sauce

• Garlic Cloves
• Grated Ginger
• Water
• Soy Sauce (use gluten-free, or coconut aminos)
• Seasoned Rice Vinegar (or plain rice vinegar mixed with sweetener)
• Vegan Chicken-Flavored Bouillon
• Red Pepper Flakes

For the Slow Cooker

• Bell Pepper
• Mushrooms
• Water Chestnuts
• Cauliflower Florets (or use seitan, store-bought or homemade, or chickpeas or pressed tofu for gluten-free options)

Before Serving

• Cornstarch
• Sesame oil (leave out to make oil-free)
• Steamed Rice
• Chopped Peanuts

How to Make Kung Pao Cauliflower Using Your Slow Cooker

One of the best things I love about this vegan Kung Pao recipe is how it makes life simpler.

Imagine how you can prep most of the ingredients the night before. In the morning, you can just put the veggies and the sauce together and let the slow cooker do the bulk of the job for you.

By the time you’re done with office work, you can spare only 30 minutes more and your dinner will be ready!

Here’s how it all goes.

The Night Before

To make the sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Store the cut-up bell pepper, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and seitan in another airtight container and put it in your fridge, too.

In the Morning

Combine the sauce, pepper, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and seitan in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.

30 Minutes Before Serving

Turn up slow cooker to high. Make a thickener by mixing the cornstarch with some of the sauce from the slow cooker in a small cup, then add it back to the slow cooker. Right before serving, stir in the sesame oil. Serve over steamed rice, and top with the peanuts.

Enjoy!

More Slow Cooker Recipes To Try

If you’ve enjoyed this vegan slow cooker recipe and you want to try out some more, I’ve got you.

Need something for the autumn? See my Vegan Slow Cooker Curry Pot Pie. I think it’ll take the chill right off. Or try my recipe for Slow Cooker Whole Wheat Spelt Potato Rolls that pairs perfectly with this Slow Cooker Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup. It’s so creamy!

If you ever need to upgrade your cooking buddy, I also have some tips on picking out a slow cooker that’s right for you. You’ll never have to get confused about brands, styles, and sizes ever again!

Be sure to pick what works for you so you can focus on the next exciting recipe to make.

Now about the recipe… Here’s your printable version for your Kung Pao Cauliflower. Enjoy!