This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a fun twist on a healthy snack! It features crispy cauliflower bites coated in a sweet and sticky sesame sauce that’s simply delicious.
I can’t get enough of these little guys—perfect for munching while binge-watching my favorite shows! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them a favorite go-to for me.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is key for the best texture. If you’re short on time, frozen cauliflower works too—just thaw and pat dry, but the fresher you can go, the better it crisps up!
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a great texture, but feel free to use gluten-free flour if needed. I’ve had success with rice flour for a lighter batter, too.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Use honey for that traditional sweetness! If you’re vegan, maple syrup is a perfect alternative that keeps the flavor right on point.
Sesame Oil: This oil gives a nutty flavor that enhances the dish. If you don’t have it, you can use olive or another neutral oil, though it won’t have the same taste.
How Do I Make My Cauliflower Extra Crispy?
To get the perfect crispy cauliflower, follow these steps for battering and frying:
- First, make your batter thick enough to coat the florets. A good guide is that it should easily stick but not drench the cauliflower.
- Make sure your oil is hot before adding the cauliflower. If it’s not sizzling, your batter may absorb too much oil and get soggy.
- Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil’s temperature, resulting in less crispy cauliflower.
After frying, let the cauliflower drain on paper towels. This helps remove any excess oil and keeps your bites nice and crispy! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (white and black mixed)
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
- Optional: cooked white rice for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a little time frying the cauliflower and making the tasty sticky sauce, making it a quick and satisfying option for a meal or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower without dripping off too much.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure each piece is well coated. Shake off any excess batter before frying.
3. Fry the Cauliflower:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the battered cauliflower florets in batches, cooking until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sticky Sauce:
In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, and sriracha if you like it spicy.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Bring the sauce to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken it, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes sticky and glossy.
6. Toss the Cauliflower in Sauce:
Carefully toss the fried cauliflower in the sticky sesame sauce until well coated. Make sure every piece gets that sweet and savory goodness!
7. Finish and Serve:
Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the coated cauliflower for extra flavor. Transfer the cauliflower to serving bowls over cooked rice if you’d like.
Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your easy sticky sesame cauliflower!
This recipe creates crispy cauliflower bites with a sweet and savory sticky glaze, topped with nutty sesame seeds and fresh green onions. It’s perfect as a standalone snack or served over rice for a fulfilling meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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 for the best texture. A little extra time in the frying process may be needed to get it crispy.
What Can I Substitute for Honey in This Recipe?
If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup is a great substitute for honey and will still give that lovely sweetness. Other liquid sweeteners like agave syrup or brown rice syrup also work well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sticky sesame cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend popping it back in a hot skillet for a few minutes to help retain that crispy texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or even add chopped fresh chili peppers to the frying oil for an extra kick. Adjust to your desired spice level!
