This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a tasty way to enjoy veggies! The cauliflower is roasted until crispy and then tossed in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce that’s simply irresistible.
You’ll love how beautifully sticky it gets! I could munch on this all day, and guess what? It’s perfect as a snack or side dish. Just grab a fork and enjoy it—no fancy dining needed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the dish! Choose a firm head of cauliflower without brown spots for the best texture. If you’re not a fan of cauliflower, you could substitute with broccoli or even tofu for a different, but tasty, twist!
All-Purpose Flour: While I typically use regular all-purpose flour, you can swap it with gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option. I also love using chickpea flour for a nutty flavor, which adds a fun twist to the batter!
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives a wonderful umami flavor to the dish. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free alternative. They work well in this sauce and maintain a balance of flavors.
Honey or Maple Syrup: I prefer honey for its classic sweetness, but maple syrup is a fantastic vegan option! You can also use agave nectar if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep the sweetness balanced to your taste.
How Do I Get My Cauliflower Crispy?
Getting the cauliflower crispy is key for this dish! When roasting, the goal is to create that golden, crunchy exterior. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your cauliflower florets are evenly coated in the batter. Too much batter can make it soggy.
- Spread the florets out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from steaming.
- Don’t skip the oil! A light drizzle or spray helps the florets crisp up in the oven.
- Flip them halfway through cooking. This promotes even browning and a crispy texture all around.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy cauliflower, ready to be coated in that delicious sauce!
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for roasting or frying)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1-2 tsp sriracha or chili sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds (white and black)
- 1-2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish can be made in about 30-40 minutes. Plan for about 15 minutes to prep, and then while it cooks, you’ll whip up that delicious sticky sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Cooking Area:
If you’re roasting, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). For frying, get your skillet nice and hot by heating oil over medium-high heat.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth. This batter will coat the cauliflower perfectly!
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take those cauliflower florets and toss them in the batter until each piece is well coated. This will help create a crispy exterior once cooked!
4. Cook the Cauliflower:
– For Roasting: Spread the battered cauliflower evenly on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle or spray a bit of oil on top. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crunchy.
– For Frying: Heat your oil in the skillet, then fry the cauliflower in batches until they are golden and crispy. Remember to drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil after frying.
5. Prepare the Sticky Sesame Sauce:
While the cauliflower cooks, grab a small saucepan. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha (if you like some heat), and toasted sesame oil over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring well until it thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes. Then take it off the heat.
7. Combine Cauliflower with Sauce:
Place your crispy cauliflower in a large bowl and pour the sticky sauce over it. Toss lightly to coat all the florets evenly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious sticky sesame cauliflower over cooked rice. Top with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor and color!
Enjoy this delightful and sticky dish that’s perfect for snacking or as a main course!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before coating it in the batter. This will help achieve a crispy texture when cooked.
How Do I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you want to add some heat, include 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili sauce in the sticky sesame sauce. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven to retain some crispiness or microwave them; just be cautious as microwaving may make them less crunchy.
What Can I Serve With Sticky Sesame Cauliflower?
This dish is fantastic over cooked rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa, noodles, or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter option. It makes a great side dish to accompany your favorite protein as well!
