This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a tasty treat that’s easy to make! Crispy cauliflower is tossed in a sweet and sticky sesame sauce that’s full of flavor. Yum!
The best part? It’s quick to whip up, and your family will love it! I like to serve mine with rice for a complete meal. Who knew veggies could be this fun?! 🥦✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the dish! Look for fresh, firm heads without brown spots. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen cauliflower florets, just thaw and drain them well before frying for the best texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here, but you can use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version. Just remember, the texture might be a bit lighter with cornstarch.
Honey or Maple Syrup: I love honey for its sweet flavor, but maple syrup is a fantastic vegan alternative. Adjust the amount based on how sweet you like it!
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for less salt, or tamari if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos is another great substitute and gives a unique flavor.
How Do I Get My Cauliflower Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch is all about the frying technique. Here’s what to do:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the battered cauliflower. A good test is to drop a bit of batter in; it should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in batches to keep the temperature consistent.
- Drain the fried cauliflower on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping them crispy.
Following these tips will give your Sticky Sesame Cauliflower that irresistible crunch! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Sesame seeds (white and black), for garnish
- Chopped green onions or cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sticky Sesame Cauliflower takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and frying the cauliflower, and around 15 minutes making the sauce and tossing everything together. Quick, easy, and oh so satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large 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 well.
2. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess batter so they don’t get too heavy.
3. Fry the Cauliflower:
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the battered cauliflower in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a separate pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Next, add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and gets sticky, which should take about 2 minutes. It’s going to smell fantastic!
6. Combine and Serve:
Now it’s time to mix everything! Toss the fried cauliflower in the sticky sesame sauce until each piece is well coated. Serve the sticky sesame cauliflower over cooked white rice.
7. Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle a mix of white and black sesame seeds on top and add your chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch.
Enjoy your flavorful, crispy, and sticky sesame cauliflower! It’s perfect for a quick snack or as a main dish with rice. Happy cooking!
FAQ for 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 dipping it into the batter. This ensures the batter will stick properly and the cauliflower will crisp up nicely.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already quite flexible for vegan adjustments! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free if necessary. Additionally, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for the batter.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the cauliflower and batter in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just fry and toss in the sauce right before serving for the best texture and taste!
What Should I Serve with Sticky Sesame Cauliflower?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or quinoa to soak up the sticky sauce. You can also serve it alongside some stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal!
