This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a tasty dish that’s both crispy and sweet! The cauliflower gets coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce that’s hard to resist.
Making this dish is a blast! Just toss the cauliflower in the sauce, bake it, and enjoy the crunch. I love serving it over rice or with some veggies on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This cruciferous veggie gives a great base for the dish. If you’re not a fan of cauliflower, broccoli or even firm tofu could work well!
All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. This will change the texture a bit, but it still holds up nicely!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is great to control salt levels. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos serve as a delicious substitute.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners work well, but you can also use agave syrup or brown sugar for a similar taste. Consider a sugar-free option for a healthier choice!
Vegetable Oil: Canola or grapeseed oil work well here. If you want more flavor, consider sesame oil instead, just use a little less because it’s stronger!
How Do I Make Sure My Cauliflower is Crispy?
For a perfectly crunchy cauliflower, follow these tips. The key is the batter and baking method.
- Make sure to coat the florets evenly in batter. Let any excess drip off before placing them on the baking sheet.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Spread the florets out in a single layer, giving them space to crisp up.
- Using a bit of oil on the batter helps achieve that crispy texture. Giving them a quick spray or drizzle before baking is a must.
- Flipping them halfway through baking ensures that they brown evenly on all sides. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid burning.
With these tips, you’ll get delicious crunchy sticky sesame cauliflower every 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
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for baking or frying)
For the Sticky Sesame Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 40 minutes. In no time, you’ll have a satisfying dish that’s perfect for dinner or as a side!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your cauliflower will crisp up beautifully. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, salt, and garlic powder until everything is well mixed and smooth. This batter will coat your cauliflower and give it that lovely crunchy texture!
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it gets coated evenly. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the florets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Cauliflower:
Drizzle or spray the battered cauliflower lightly with vegetable oil to help it crisp up in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
5. Prepare the Sticky Sesame Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, grab a small saucepan and combine the soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Once it’s simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook while stirring constantly for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Then, remove the sauce from heat.
7. Combine and Serve:
Once the cauliflower is done baking, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the sticky sesame sauce over the hot cauliflower and gently toss everything together until the florets are evenly coated.
8. Garnish:
Now, it’s time to serve! Place your sticky sesame cauliflower over rice or steamed veggies on a plate. Top with toasted white and black sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro if you like.
Enjoy your crunchy, sweet, and savory sticky sesame cauliflower! It’s delicious as a main dish or a tantalizing side!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Can I Use a Different Type of Vegetable?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cauliflower, you can substitute with broccoli or even bite-sized pieces of firm tofu. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, especially for tofu.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Additionally, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos in the sauce.
Can I Prepare the Sauce in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sticky sesame sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir or reheat it slightly before tossing with the cauliflower.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. The cauliflower may lose some crispiness, but the flavors will still be delicious!
