This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a tasty way to enjoy your veggies! With crispy cauliflower pieces coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, it’s simply irresistible.
Trust me, you won’t be able to stop snacking on these! I love serving it with rice for a hearty meal. It’s delicious and makes me feel extra healthy (the cauliflower magic!). 🥦✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is key for this dish. If you’re looking for a substitute, you could try broccoli or even Brussels sprouts for a different twist!
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a nice coating, but if you’re gluten-free, use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the batter. I’ve enjoyed using chickpea flour in the past for an added flavor boost.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These sweeteners provide the sticky texture. You can use agave nectar or coconut sugar if you want alternatives. I prefer maple syrup for its rich taste!
Soy Sauce: It adds umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos as a great alternative; it’s slightly sweeter but works well.
How Can I Get Crispy Cauliflower Every Time?
For the best crispy cauliflower, ensure you completely coat the florets in the batter. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; it should sizzle when you add the cauliflower.
- Fry them in small batches. Overcrowding the pan results in steaming instead of crisping.
- If baking, spritz the cauliflower with oil to get a nice golden crust without excess grease.
Following these tips will have your cauliflower perfectly crispy and ready for that sticky sauce!
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (white and black)
- Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 45 minutes. You’ll spend a little time mixing your batter and preparing the sauce, but the result is totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if you plan on baking the cauliflower. If frying, get a skillet ready by heating some vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep mixing until the batter is smooth without lumps. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower nicely!
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take the cauliflower florets one at a time and dip them into the batter. Make sure they are fully coated for that crispy goodness.
4. Fry or Bake the Cauliflower:
For frying: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet. Fry the battered cauliflower in small groups, cooking until they are golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
For baking (if you prefer this method): Place the battered florets on a greased baking sheet, breathe in that lovely smell, and lightly spray them with oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small saucepan, mix together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat—oh, the aroma is heavenly!
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir continuously until it thickens and becomes sticky, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
7. Combine and Coat:
Toss the crispy cauliflower into the saucepan with the sticky sauce. Give it a good stir to make sure every piece gets nicely coated.
8. Serve It Up:
Serve your sticky sesame cauliflower over a bed of warm, cooked rice. Top it all off with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and your choice of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
9. Enjoy!
Sit down and dig into your delicious, crispy, and sticky sesame cauliflower! It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
FAQ for Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
While fresh cauliflower is preferred for the best texture, you can use frozen cauliflower. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before battering and cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave, and you may want to add a splash of water or additional sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey for the sauce to keep it vegan-friendly, and ensure that your soy sauce is free from any animal products.
What Can I Serve with Sticky Sesame Cauliflower?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even a hearty salad. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal!
