This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a tasty dish that features crispy cauliflower bites coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy veggies!
Cooking this dish is a fun little kitchen adventure! I love how the sauce makes everything sticky and delicious. Serve it over rice and watch it disappear! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is the star here! You can use broccoli or even tofu if you’re looking for a change. They both soak up the flavors beautifully!
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for coating. If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to keep that crispy texture.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds a great umami flavor. For gluten-free, use tamari. Alternatively, coconut aminos can offer a milder taste.
Sweetener: Honey gives a lovely sweetness, but you can also use maple syrup for a vegan option. Agave nectar can work too!
Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. If you can’t find it, regular sesame oil is a fine substitute, just remember it’s less flavorful!
How Do You Get the Cauliflower Extra Crispy?
Getting your cauliflower crispy is key for this dish! Here are my tips:
- Make sure your batter isn’t too thick—aim for a pancake-like consistency.
- Heat your oil to the right temperature; too low, and it will soak up oil, too high, and it may burn.
- Fry in small batches. Crowding the pan lowers the temperature and results in sogginess. Give those florets some space to shine!
After frying, set the cauliflower on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This helps keep them crispy until serving time!
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
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 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 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (black and white)
- Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
- Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 15 minutes getting everything ready and about 30 minutes cooking it up. A great way to enjoy a tasty meal without much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth. This will create the batter that gives the cauliflower its crispy coating.
2. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. The batter should stick nicely to each piece.
3. Fry the Cauliflower:
Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cauliflower pieces in batches. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy—this should take about 3-4 minutes per batch. Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the cauliflower and let them drain on a paper towel.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Once your sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze. It should look shiny and delicious!
6. Coat the Cauliflower:
With your fried cauliflower ready, toss them in the sticky sesame sauce until they are well coated. Make sure every piece gets a nice layer of that delicious glaze!
7. Serve:
Plate the glazed cauliflower over a bed of cooked rice. Finish it off by garnishing with a mix of black and white sesame seeds and sprinkle with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro. Enjoy this flavorful and 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 thaw the frozen cauliflower first and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help ensure that it crisps up nicely when frying.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based!
Can I Bake the Cauliflower Instead of Frying It?
Absolutely! To bake, toss the coated cauliflower florets in a bit of oil and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain some crispiness, as microwaving can make it soggy.
