This Vegan Singapore Black Pepper Spaghetti is a rich, spicy, and incredibly satisfying dish inspired by the iconic flavors of Singaporean cuisine. What makes this black pepper sauce unique is the addition of fermented bean paste (taucheo) and fragrant curry leaves, giving it a deep, complex flavor you won’t find in typical black pepper sauces.
Paired with crispy battered cauliflower and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish is a delicious fusion of textures—crispy, saucy, spicy, and savory all in one bite. It’s bold, comforting, and completely plant-based!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌶️ Bold black pepper flavor with a spicy kick
- 🍝 Fusion-style comfort food with Asian flavors
- 🌱 100% vegan and customizable
- 🥦 Crispy cauliflower adds amazing texture
- ⚡ Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner
Ingredients
Main:
- 1.5 cups cauliflower florets
- 120 g spaghetti
Batter:
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup water
Sauce & Seasoning:
- 1.5 tbsp cracked black pepper
- ½ tbsp ground white pepper
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 shallots (or 2 small onions), chopped
- 3 bird’s eye chilies (optional)
- 10 curry leaves
- 1 tsp fermented bean paste (or black bean paste)
- 3 tbsp vegan oyster sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower
Cut cauliflower into medium florets.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Mix cornstarch, flour, and water until smooth (light, yogurt-like consistency).
Step 3: Fry the Cauliflower
Heat oil in a deep pan. Dip cauliflower in batter and fry until lightly golden. Remove and drain.
Step 4: Toast the Pepper
Dry-toast black and white pepper in a pan until fragrant. Set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce Mix
Combine vegan oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in a bowl.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 7: Sauté Aromatics
Heat oil in a pan. Cook onions until soft, then add garlic.
Step 8: Build the Flavor
Add fermented bean paste, chilies, curry leaves, and toasted pepper. Stir well.
Step 9: Add Cauliflower
Toss fried cauliflower with half the sauce until well coated.
Step 10: Combine Pasta
Add spaghetti to the pan. Pour remaining sauce over it and mix thoroughly.
Step 11: Serve
Serve hot, optionally with blanched greens for freshness.
Tips & Variations
- 🌱 Swap cauliflower with tofu, mushrooms, or seitan
- 🔥 Adjust spice by reducing chilies
- 🥢 No taucheo? Use black bean paste instead
- 🍳 Skip frying for a lighter version—just sauté
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Singapore Black Pepper Spaghetti is a flavor explosion—peppery, spicy, slightly sweet, and deeply savory. With its crispy cauliflower and slurp-worthy noodles, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Perfect for anyone craving bold Asian-inspired comfort food with a modern twist!