Vegan Lemon Pepper Glazed Cauliflower Recipe
A vibrant vegan dish featuring crispy cauliflower coated in a zesty lemon pepper glaze, perfect as a flavorful appetizer or side. Made with gluten-free breadcrumbs and dairy-free butter alternatives, this recipe offers a delicious and health-conscious twist on a classic comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Cauliflower and Coating
- 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into medium chunks
- 3 cups bread crumbs, gluten-free if needed (homemade seasoned toasted panko recommended)
- 1 cup unflavored almond milk or water
- ¾ cup organic all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup lemon pepper seasoning + 2 tablespoons for glazing (see notes)
Lemon Pepper Butter Glaze
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (use plant-based alternative for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon honey (can substitute maple syrup or agave for vegan)
Optional Toppings
- Dried or fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and chop the cauliflower into medium-sized chunks ensuring even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the organic flour, lemon pepper seasoning (¼ cup), and almond milk or water until smooth to form a batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower chunk into the batter, then roll it thoroughly in the bread crumbs to coat completely.
- Cook the Cauliflower: Fry or bake the coated cauliflower chunks until golden brown and crispy. (If frying, heat oil to 350°F and cook for 4-5 minutes each batch; if baking, preheat oven to 425°F and bake on a greased sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.)
- Prepare the Lemon Pepper Butter Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning and 1 tablespoon honey (or substitute), cooking until combined and warm.
- Glaze the Cauliflower: Toss the cooked cauliflower in the lemon pepper butter glaze ensuring an even coating on each piece.
- Serve: Arrange the glazed cauliflower on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh or dried parsley and lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use gluten-free bread crumbs if you require gluten-free accommodations.
- You can make your own seasoned toasted panko bread crumbs by baking panko with your choice of herbs and lemon pepper seasoning.
- For a fully vegan alternative, substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
- Adjust lemon pepper seasoning according to taste for more or less zing.
