This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a tasty treat! Crispy cauliflower is coated in a sweet and sticky sesame sauce that’s hard to resist. It’s like a party for your taste buds!
You’ll love how simple it is to whip up this dish. I always serve it with rice and pretend I’m at a fancy restaurant. Who knew veggies could be this fun? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star ingredient! Choose a fresh, firm head of cauliflower. For a twist, you can use broccoli or even Brussels sprouts instead if you prefer.
All-purpose flour: The batter needs flour to coat the cauliflower. If you’re gluten-free, corn flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour works great! I prefer using rice flour for an extra crispiness.
Honey or maple syrup: Both add sweetness to the sauce. If you need a vegan option, stick with maple syrup or agave nectar. For a lower-calorie choice, consider using a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
Soy sauce: It provides a savory flavor. Tamari is a good gluten-free alternative. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is also available.
How Do I Make Sure My Cauliflower Stays Crispy?
Achieving crispy cauliflower is all about frying it right. Here are key points to keep in mind:
- Use cold water for the batter. It helps create a lighter, crispier coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in batches to ensure all pieces get enough heat.
- Let the fried cauliflower drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps it from getting soggy.
For even crispier results, try baking the cauliflower instead. Toss them in a little oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway!
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Sesame seeds (white and black) for garnish
- Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, water, salt, and garlic powder until you have a smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure they’re fully coated. This batter will create the crispy shell you love!
3. Fry the Cauliflower:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C). Carefully add the battered cauliflower pieces in batches, frying until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 4-6 minutes for each batch. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, mix together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat over medium heat until the mixture simmers.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir continuously until it thickens and becomes glossy, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
6. Combine the Cauliflower and Sauce:
Toss the crispy fried cauliflower in the sticky sesame sauce until all the pieces are evenly coated. Get ready for some delicious flavors!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your sticky sesame cauliflower over a bed of cooked rice. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch!
Enjoy your flavorful and crispy Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower! It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen cauliflower, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before coating it in the batter. Pat it dry with paper towels; excess moisture may prevent the batter from sticking and result in less crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sticky sesame cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in a skillet on medium heat to maintain its crispiness, or place it in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a fully vegan option. All other ingredients are naturally vegan, making this dish a great plant-based choice!
What Other Dipping Sauces Can I Use?
If you want to switch things up, try a sweet chili sauce or a teriyaki sauce instead of the sticky sesame sauce. They will add a different flavor profile to the dish while still being delicious!
