This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a tasty dish with crispy cauliflower coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce. It’s a fun twist that even veggie haters might love!
You might want to make extra because everyone will want seconds! I like to serve it over rice for a complete meal—just perfect for those busy weeknights. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the dish! Choose a fresh, firm head of cauliflower for the best results. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try using broccoli instead for a change!
Flour: All-purpose flour works well for the batter, but gluten-free flour blends can work too if you’re avoiding gluten. I’ve had great results using chickpea flour for a protein boost!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but maple syrup is a great vegan alternative. If you’re looking for less sugar, you can use a sugar-free syrup or a sugar substitute that can withstand cooking.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives the dish a salty flavor. If you want to reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos as a healthier alternative.
How Do I Get Crispy Cauliflower?
The crunchiness of the cauliflower is a game changer! To achieve perfect crispy bites, follow these key steps:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C). You can test this by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry the cauliflower in small batches. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in sogginess.
- Let the fried cauliflower drain on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil. This helps maintain its crispiness!
With these tips, you’ll have beautifully crispy cauliflower ready to be coated in the delicious 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 (or gluten-free flour)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups)
For the Sticky Sesame Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
To Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white and/or black)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking, totaling around 35 minutes. You’ll spend some time frying the cauliflower and preparing the sauce, but the result is a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Heat the Oil:
Pour about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping a small amount of batter in—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
3. Fry the Cauliflower:
Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated. Carefully place them in the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sticky Sesame Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat over medium heat until the mixture starts to simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for about 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky. Keep stirring to make sure it doesn’t burn.
6. Toss the Fried Cauliflower:
Once the sauce is ready, toss the fried cauliflower in the sticky sesame sauce until they are all well-coated and glistening.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the glazed cauliflower over a bed of steamed rice. Finally, garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro if you like!
8. Enjoy!
Dig into your delicious Sticky Sesame Cauliflower while it’s hot! Whether as an appetizer or a main dish, it’s sure to impress everyone!
This recipe yields crispy cauliflower pieces beautifully glazed with a sweet and savory sticky sesame sauce, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser!
FAQ about Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen cauliflower thoroughly, as excess moisture can affect the batter’s ability to stick. Pat them dry with paper towels before coating in batter and frying.
What Can I Use as a Gluten-Free Substitute for Flour?
If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour. Both work well in creating a crispy batter without gluten.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place any uneaten cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help retain its crispiness, rather than microwaving, which can make it soggy.
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm it up on the stove before tossing it with the fried cauliflower!
