This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a tasty treat! It features crispy cauliflower bites drenched in a sweet and sticky sesame sauce. Perfect for a quick meal or snack!
You might want to make extra because they’ll disappear fast! I find myself sneaking veggies like these for a fun and healthy munch. Who said cauliflower can’t be exciting? 😄
Making this is a breeze! Just roast the cauliflower, whip up the sauce, and mix them together. It’s a fun dish I love sharing with friends for a flavorful twist. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the dish! Fresh cauliflower works best, but frozen can be used in a pinch, just ensure it’s thawed and drained. I personally love using cauliflower rice for a different texture.
Flour: I use all-purpose flour for coating, but you can swap it with gluten-free flour if needed. If you like more crunch, try using cornstarch instead!
Honey or Maple Syrup: For sweetness, honey is fantastic, but feel free to use maple syrup for a vegan option. I find maple syrup adds a nice, unique flavor that complements the sauce well.
Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce is great, but if you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari. For a lighter flavor, coconut aminos can be a delicious alternative!
How Do You Get the Cauliflower Extra Crispy?
To achieve that crispy texture, it’s important to coat each floret evenly with the batter. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your oil is hot enough. A good test is to drop a small bit of batter in – it should sizzle immediately.
- Shake off any excess batter before frying to prevent clumping.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding. This helps maintain the oil temperature and achieve the perfect crisp!
With these tips, you’ll enjoy perfectly crispy cauliflower in no time!
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil (for pan frying)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (white and black)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping the cauliflower and making the sauce, and another 15 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal!
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 a nice batter for coating the cauliflower.
2. Coat cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure to cover it completely. Let any excess batter drip off before you move to the next step. This will help ensure they fry properly without being gummy.
3. Cook cauliflower:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the battered cauliflower in batches. Fry until the florets are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once done, remove them from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Make the sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat to combine the flavors.
5. Thicken the sauce:
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy. This is what will help the sauce stick to your cauliflower.
6. Combine:
Once the cauliflower is fried and the sauce is thickened, toss the crispy cauliflower in the sticky sauce until all pieces are well coated. This is where the magic happens!
7. Serve:
Serve the sticky sesame cauliflower over a bed of cooked white rice. Finish by sprinkling with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.
This dish features crispy fried cauliflower florets enveloped in a deliciously sticky, sweet, and savory sesame sauce with ginger and garlic notes, garnished with sesame seeds for that lovely nutty crunch. Perfect for an easy, flavorful vegetarian meal!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before coating it in the batter. This helps to achieve that crispy texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey?
If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup is a great substitute for honey. It gives a sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain some crispiness, or microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots to the mix. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on what you add!
