This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a tasty vegetarian dish that makes your mouth water! Crispy cauliflower is coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of the dish! Choose a fresh head with tight florets. If you’re not a fan of cauliflower, you can use broccoli or even tofu as a substitute for a different twist.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well for the batter, but gluten-free flour is a great option for those avoiding gluten. I’ve had good results with almond flour too!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds a nice depth of flavor, but tamari is the perfect gluten-free alternative. Coconut aminos can also be a milder, soy-free option.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both are excellent sweeteners. Maple syrup is a great vegan option if you’re keeping it plant-based. You could also try agave syrup.
Sesame Oil: This ingredient adds rich flavor. If you don’t have it, a mild olive oil can work in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on the nutty flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Cauliflower?
To get that super crispy texture, it’s crucial to fry the cauliflower properly. Make sure your oil is hot—this helps create a crunchy crust fast and keeps the cauliflower from soaking up too much oil.
- Use a thermometer to check that the oil is at 350°F (175°C).
- Fry in batches! Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy cauliflower.
- Let the fried cauliflower rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil before tossing it in sauce.
Following these tips will help you achieve that delicious crispy texture that’s perfect for this dish!
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Sesame seeds (white and black) for garnish
- Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. You’ll spend some time frying and preparing the sauce, but the end result is definitely worth it!
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cauliflower
Begin by preheating vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). This is important for achieving that crispy texture!
2. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too thick that it doesn’t stick.
3. Coat the Cauliflower
Take your cauliflower florets and dip them into the batter, making sure they are fully coated. This coating will give them a crunchy texture when fried.
4. Fry the Cauliflower
Carefully drop the battered cauliflower into hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Prepare the Sauce
In a separate saucepan, mix together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat it over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Combine Cauliflower with Sauce
Gently toss the fried cauliflower in the sticky sesame sauce until they are well-coated. It smells absolutely amazing!
8. Serve
Serve the sticky sesame cauliflower over cooked white rice for a complete meal. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for that extra zing!
Enjoy your flavorful and crispy Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before dipping it in the batter. This will help to achieve that crispy texture when frying.
What Should I Do If the Batter is Too Thick?
If your batter is too thick, simply add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, coatable consistency. It should be thick enough to cling to the cauliflower but not so thick that it drips off excessively.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, consider using an oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness, rather than the microwave which may make the cauliflower soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! For a kick of heat, you can add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha into the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference for the perfect balance!
