This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a tasty dish that’s packed with flavor! With crispy cauliflower coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce, it’s hard to resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is key for this dish, but you can use frozen cauliflower if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure it’s well thawed and drained before use.
All-Purpose Flour: This creates a nice batter. For gluten-free options, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend work well.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds that classic umami flavor. If you’re avoiding gluten, tamari is a great alternative. You can also use coconut aminos for a less salty option.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both add sweetness. I like honey for its flavor, but maple syrup is a fantastic vegan substitute!
Sesame Oil: This ingredient brings a nice nutty flavor. If you’re out, any light oil (like vegetable or canola) will work, but it misses that distinct taste.
How Do I Get My Cauliflower Crispy?
Getting that crispy texture while keeping the cauliflower tender is crucial. Here’s what to do:
- If baking, ensure the oven is fully heated before placing the cauliflower inside to achieve even crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer for even cooking.
- For frying, let the oil get hot before adding the cauliflower. A test is to drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
Following these tips will help you end up with crispy and delicious sticky sesame cauliflower!
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying or roasting)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (white and black)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, followed by 20-25 minutes of baking or frying time. So, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes total to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven or Heat the Oil:
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) if you’re baking. If you prefer frying, get your oil heated in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and has no lumps. This is your batter!
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure to let any excess batter drip off. This ensures a nice, even coat.
4. Bake or Fry the Cauliflower:
For baking: Arrange the battered cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle or spray lightly with vegetable oil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Remember to flip them halfway through for even baking!
For frying: Carefully place the battered cauliflower in the hot oil and fry in batches until each piece is golden and crispy. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once done, let them drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Sticky Sesame Sauce:
While the cauliflower cooks, grab a small saucepan. Combine the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat it over medium heat until everything is simmering.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. Once it reaches that beautiful consistency, take it off the heat!
7. Coat the Cauliflower:
In a large bowl, add the crispy cauliflower pieces and pour the sticky sesame sauce over them. Gently toss until every floret is well coated in the delicious sauce!
8. Serve:
Now it’s time to make it look pretty! Serve the sticky sesame cauliflower over a bed of warm cooked rice.
9. Garnish:
Top your dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion for extra flavor and crunch. Enjoy your delicious Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw and drain the frozen cauliflower before battering it. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure it gets crispy when cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a vegan option or prefer something different, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both work well and will maintain the sweetness of the dish.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again, or gently in the microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! You can add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce to give it a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your heat preference!
