Roasted Cauliflower with Fish Sauce and Chili
Sebastian introduced me to one of my favorite restaurants early in our relationship. In the summer there, I like tall cold glasses of hefeweizen in the still air of their gravel-covered garden. And in winter, we tuck ourselves between ’60s pin-up posters and the fireplace for duck rillettes with prunes. This particular winter, first over a dinner of roast pork and later with a big bowl of mussels, I fell in love with this dish: roasted cauliflower with fish sauce and chili. I had my friends guess at the preparation the last time we were there. Toss it with the fish sauce and hot chili pepper first, they surmised, then roast it. So that’s just what I did. For the wary, the fish sauce imparts a subtle saltiness. I especially like this mixed in with a bowl of mulligatawny.
Roasted Cauliflower with Fish Sauce and Chili
Serves 4
1 head cauliflower, cored and broken into florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon fish sauce
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Toss ingredients on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until cauliflower is tender and brown in spots.
Katerina: I love roasted cauliflower. I usually do it very similarly except instead of fish sauce I use lemon juice and salt. I suppose that is similar since it is also salty and acidic. I will try this next time!1 year ago
Julie: I’ve been roasting cauliflower this winter like it’s going out of style! Actually, I made some last night and thought of you because I made a version of that spring vegetable ragout you shared here (except with winter veg! cauli, onions, carrots, garlic, frozen peas). That was one of my favorite recipes you’ve ever posted. Mustard + cheese + butter + vegetables is such a winning combo!1 year ago
lisa strawberry: I love roasted cauliflower! Any ideas on how to replicate this without fish sauce (vegetarian options)???1 year ago
Julie, Brilliant adaptation! Amazing!
Lisa, I’d do it Katerina’s way and try lemon. There are so many great recipes out there for roasted cauliflower, the possibilities are limitless! Mustard, cheese, lemon…what else?1 year ago
anne: Yum, this sounds good. I’m a big fan of roasted broccoli so I’ll give this a try.1 year ago
lisa strawberry: I made it tonight with the lemon and salt, Sarah! Thanks, it was delish.1 year ago
Leili Learning Life: Too simple not to try. Thanks for sharing!1 year ago
wendy: Roasted cali always smells like popcorn to me!
I have some waiting to be tried.
Veg option- soy sauce or ponzu sauce.1 year ago
Soy sauce––doh! Why didn’t I think of that?1 year ago
deanne: I’m trying to eat more vegetables so roasting cauliflower and broccoli is a miracle for me. It actually makes vegetables taste good!!1 year ago
molly: ooooo… roasted cauliflower is a favorite in these parts, but fish sauce + chili never crossed my mind. yet!1 year ago