Home Sides Za’atar Stir-Fried Cauliflower with Tahini Aioli
Za'atar stir-fried cauliflower topped with a creamy tahini aioli, garnished with fresh parsley, showcasing tender, spiced cauliflower florets with a rich, tangy sauce.
30 minutes Easy

Za’atar Stir-Fried Cauliflower with Tahini Aioli

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Za’atar Stir-Fried Cauliflower with Tahini Aioli beautifully showcases Middle Eastern cuisine’s vibrant flavors. This recipe combines the earthy, aromatic notes of za’atar with the creamy, nutty richness of tahini, using fresh cauliflower as the canvas, creating a dish that is as satisfying as it is healthy.

The simple yet powerful combination of spices and techniques transforms the humble cauliflower. With its mild flavor and versatile texture, Cauliflower acts as the perfect canvas for the bold, herbal notes of za’atar—a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend typically made with thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and other herbs. When stir-fried, the cauliflower becomes tender with a slight crisp on the edges, absorbing the warm, earthy spices that make za’atar so distinctive.

The process begins with heating extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. The cauliflower florets are added to the pan and stir-fried until they soften and develop a light char. This cooking method is quick and efficient, ensuring that the cauliflower retains a bit of its natural crunch while allowing it to absorb the seasoning flavors. As the cauliflower cooks, it is sprinkled with za’atar, cumin, and a touch of smoked paprika. The result is a tender cauliflower on the inside, with a beautifully caramelized exterior infused with typical Middle Eastern spices’ warm, slightly tangy notes.

The dish is elevated by adding a tahini aioli—a creamy, rich sauce that perfectly complements the spiced cauliflower. Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. In this dish, tahini is blended with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of honey to create a tangy and sweet sauce with a hint of garlic. The aioli is thinned with water to achieve the desired consistency, making it perfect for drizzling over the stir-fried cauliflower.

Combining za’atar spiced cauliflower and tahini aioli creates a wonderfully bold and unique balance of flavors and textures. The cauliflower is warm and earthy, with a slight crunch from the stir-fry process, while the tahini aioli adds a creamy, tangy richness that ties everything together. The dish is garnished with fresh parsley, adding a burst of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the flavor profile.

Za’atar Stir-Fried Cauliflower with Tahini Aioli is a versatile dish that can be served as a flavorful side dish or a light main course. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a healthy, plant-based meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The dish is also vegan-friendly, making it an excellent choice for various dietary preferences.

Whether you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or want to try something new, this dish will impress with its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary when combined with the right spices and techniques.

Za’atar Stir-Fried Cauliflower with Tahini Aioli

Recipe by Kyle Taylor
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: SidesCuisine: Middle EasternDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

30

minutes

Za’atar Stir-Fried Cauliflower with Tahini Aioli is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender, spiced cauliflower florets topped with a creamy, tangy tahini aioli, creating a perfect balance of earthy, smoky, and rich flavors.

Ingredients

  • For the Za’atar Stir-Fried Cauliflower
  • 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons za’atar seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • to taste, salt and ground black pepper

  • for garnish, freshly chopped parsley

  • for serving, lemon wedges

  • For the Tahini Aioli
  • 1/4 cup tahini

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 1 lemon, juiced

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • as needed, water

  • to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

  • Prepare the Cauliflower:
    Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower florets and stir-fry for 6-7 minutes until they begin to soften and develop some color. Sprinkle the za’atar, cumin, and paprika over the cauliflower. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and slightly charred. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Make the Tahini Aioli:
    Combine the tahini, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add water, a tablespoon at a time, until the aioli reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Assemble and Serve:
    Transfer the stir-fried cauliflower to a serving dish. Drizzle the tahini aioli over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  • To Make Homemade Za’atar Seasoning: Combine 2 tablespoons dried thyme, 2 tablespoons ground sumac, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried marjoram, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl; mix well and store in an airtight container.

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