This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a delicious and fun way to enjoy veggies! You get crispy cauliflower covered in a sweet and savory sesame sauce that will have you coming back for more.
I can’t help but munch on these tasty bites when they come out of the oven! They make a great side dish or snack. Try serving them with rice for a filling meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is the main star here. If you can’t find it, you could use broccoli for a similar crunchy texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great for the batter. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch can work well too.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Coconut aminos is another tasty substitute that offers a slightly sweeter flavor.
Honey or Maple Syrup: I usually stick with honey for sweetness, but maple syrup is a fantastic vegan alternative. You can also use agave syrup as another option.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds rich flavor to the dish. If you don’t have it, a light olive oil or canola oil will work, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
How Do You Get the Cauliflower Crispy?
Achieving that crispy texture is all about frying right! Here are some steps to follow:
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding cauliflower—this prevents sogginess. You can test it by dropping a small amount of batter; it should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the cauliflower in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Drain the fried cauliflower on paper towels to remove excess oil, which keeps them crispy.
These simple tips will help you create a delicious dish that everyone will love!
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sticky Sesame Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1-2 green onions, finely sliced
- Fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It includes around 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, salt, and garlic powder until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water.
2. Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure every piece is fully coated. This will help create that delicious crispy texture when frying.
3. Cook the Cauliflower:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated cauliflower florets in batches. Fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden and crispy on all sides. 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, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat.
6. Toss the Cauliflower:
In a large bowl, place the fried cauliflower and pour the sticky sesame sauce over it. Toss gently, making sure each piece is coated evenly in the sauce.
7. Serve:
Transfer the sesame cauliflower to serving bowls, ideally over a bed of steamed white rice or your choice of grain. Finish by sprinkling with white and black sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and cilantro if desired.
8. Enjoy:
Serve immediately while warm, and get ready to dig into this delightful, sticky treat!
This recipe creates a deliciously crispy, sweet, and savory cauliflower dish with a glossy sticky sesame sauce, garnished beautifully. Perfect as a main or side dish!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before coating it with the batter. This will help maintain the crispy texture when frying.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider mixing in some red pepper flakes or sriracha into the sticky sesame sauce. You can adjust the spice level to your taste for the perfect kick!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer to restore some of their crispiness, or microwave if you’re short on time!
Is There a Vegetarian Version of the Sauce?
The sauce is already vegetarian, but if you want to make it vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey. It’s a great sweetener and works perfectly in this dish!
