This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is both tasty and fun to eat! Crispy cauliflower bites are coated in a sweet and tangy sauce that makes everyone smile.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the dish. You can use fresh cauliflower for the best texture, but frozen cauliflower works too. Just make sure to thaw and drain well before using.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a great crisp, but you could substitute gluten-free flour if needed. I’ve tried it, and it works well!
Honey or Maple Syrup: This adds sweetness to the sauce. If you’re vegan, go with maple syrup. You could also use agave syrup for a similar result.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is great, but if you’re watching your sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative!
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use vegetable oil, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
How Do I Achieve Crispy Cauliflower?
Getting that perfect crispy texture starts with dipping the cauliflower in a well-mixed batter. Here’s how you ensure extra crispiness:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F / 175°C) before adding the cauliflower. You can test with a drop of batter; it should sizzle.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this helps keep the oil temperature steady, resulting in crispier pieces.
- Drain the cauliflower on paper towels after frying. This helps remove excess oil, keeping it crispy longer.
Enjoy your crispy and delicious Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower! It’s perfect as a main or a side dish.
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (white and black, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Time Needed
This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower will take about 20 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes for frying and saucing. So, you’re looking at a total of about 40 minutes before you get to enjoy this delicious dish!
Instructions
1. Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower nicely.
2. Heat the Oil
In a large pan or deep fryer, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a little batter in; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
3. Fry the Cauliflower
Take the cauliflower florets and dip them into the batter, shaking off any excess. Carefully add a few pieces at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to keep the temperature steady!
4. Drain the Cauliflower
Once fried, remove the cauliflower and place it onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy!
5. Prepare the Sauce
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger, if you’re using it. Stir and let it come to a gentle simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, approximately 2 minutes.
7. Combine Cauliflower with Sauce
Remove the pan from heat and add the fried cauliflower to the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the cauliflower evenly in that delicious sticky goodness!
8. Serve It Up!
Serve your sticky sesame cauliflower over a bed of warm cooked rice. Garnish generously with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your flavorful, sticky, and crispy treat!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but the taste will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can! To bake the cauliflower, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the battered florets in a little oil and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Then, toss them in the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through and crispy!
