Stir-fried Cauliflower with Tomatoes: A Simple Chinese Recipe

Updated at: 12/01/2025

Craving a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight meal? Look no further than this vibrant stir-fry featuring cauliflower and tomatoes. This simple Chinese-inspired dish is bursting with fresh, garden-like flavors and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy evenings or anyone looking for a light yet satisfying dinner. The combination of tender cauliflower florets and juicy, slightly sweet tomatoes creates a delightful textural and taste experience, enhanced by a fragrant garlic-ginger sauce. This recipe is easily adaptable to your spice preferences and readily available pantry staples.

Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times! This stir-fried cauliflower and tomatoes recipe is incredibly easy to follow, delivering a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. Ready to learn how to create this delicious dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.

Tools Needed

  • Stove
  • Pan

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower: 1
  • Onion
  • Tomatoes
  • Garlic: 5 cloves
  • Vegetable oil
  • Ketchup: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt: 3 teaspoons
  • Sugar: 2 teaspoons
  • Spring onion

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Sauté Aromatics

  • Cut the cauliflower into small pieces.
  • Heat the pan and add vegetable oil.
  • Add the onion and cook until fragrant.
Cut the cauliflower into small pieces.Heat the pan and add vegetable oil.Add the onion and cook until fragrant.
Prepare Ingredients and Sauté Aromatics

Step 2. Cook Tomatoes and Build Flavor

  • Add the tomatoes and cook until they release their sauce. Don't add the cauliflower yet!
  • Add sugar (2 teaspoons) to balance the sourness of the tomatoes.
  • Add ketchup (2 tablespoons) once the tomato sauce has thickened.
Add the tomatoes and cook until they release their sauce. Don't add the cauliflower yet!Add sugar (2 teaspoons) to balance the sourness of the tomatoes.Add ketchup (2 tablespoons) once the tomato sauce has thickened.
Cook Tomatoes and Build Flavor

Step 3. Add Cauliflower and Simmer

  • Add the cauliflower and 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
  • Simmer until the cauliflower is cooked through (about 4 minutes).
Add the cauliflower and 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil.Simmer until the cauliflower is cooked through (about 4 minutes).
Add Cauliflower and Simmer

Step 4. Finish and Serve

  • Add garlic at the end for extra flavor.
  • If there's too much sauce, add a little starchy water to absorb some.
  • Garnish with spring onions (optional).
Add garlic at the end for extra flavor.If there's too much sauce, add a little starchy water to absorb some.
Finish and Serve

Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Cutting the cauliflower into small pieces helps it absorb more flavor and cook evenly.
  • Cooking the tomatoes until they release their sauce enhances the overall flavor.
  • Ketchup adds thickness and a sweeter element to the tomato sauce.
  • Lower the heat to medium to prevent burning the tomatoes and cauliflower.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before stir-frying to prevent excess moisture.

2. What if I don't have oyster sauce?

Soy sauce, a splash of rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar can be substituted for a similar savory-sweet flavor.

3. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, or broccoli would be delicious additions.


This simple stir-fry is a testament to how delicious and satisfying a quick, healthy meal can be. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of this easy-to-make dish, perfect for any night of the week. We hope you enjoy this recipe and add it to your regular cooking rotation!