This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a fun and tasty dish! It features crispy cauliflower bites coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce you’ll love.
This dish is perfect for a quick dinner or a yummy snack. Trust me, you’ll want to eat the whole bowl—no judgment here! I like serving it over rice for a filling meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of this dish! Choose a fresh, firm head without brown spots. For a different flavor, you can swap cauliflower with broccoli or even Brussels sprouts.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives that nice batter texture but if you’re gluten-free, almond or chickpea flour works well! I sometimes mix in a bit of cornstarch for extra crispiness.
Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce adds umami. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative. For less sodium, low-sodium soy sauce can also help while still keeping the flavor.
Syrup: Honey works perfectly, but if you want a vegan option, maple syrup or agave would do just fine. I prefer maple syrup for its lovely taste!
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Crispy Cauliflower?
Frying can be tricky, but here are some steps to ensure crispy results:
- Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Coat the florets well but don’t let excess batter drip off too much. This helps with the crispy coating.
- Fry in small batches. Avoid crowding the pan, as it can lower the oil’s temperature and result in soggy bites.
- Let the fried cauliflower rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Following these tips will help you get that amazing crunch you’ll love in your sticky sesame cauliflower!
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup water (adjust for batter consistency)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
For the Sticky Sesame Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
To Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds (white and black)
- Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. It includes 10 minutes for prep work and around 20 minutes for frying and cooking the sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth batter. Make sure it’s thick enough to coat the cauliflower well. You can add a little more flour or water if needed to adjust the consistency.
2. Heat the Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan, enough to cover the bottom. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C)—a temperature that will make your cauliflower crispy!
3. Fry the Cauliflower:
Dip each floret into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Carefully place the florets in the hot oil—do this in small batches so they don’t crowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. When done, remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sticky Sesame Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and sriracha (if using). Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring as you bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce while stirring continuously. Continue to cook it until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes. Once thickened, remove it from the heat.
6. Combine and Serve:
Toss the crispy fried cauliflower in the sticky sesame sauce until fully coated. Serve it over steamed rice or greens for a complete meal. Don’t forget to garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions or cilantro for that extra flavor!
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious, easy sticky sesame cauliflower! It’s crispy, flavorful, and simply irresistible!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the batter stick better and keep it crispy when frying.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey?
If you prefer a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar works perfectly as a substitute for honey. Both will give you a similar sweetness and flavor profile for the sauce.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like some heat, increase the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce in the sticky sauce. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sticky sesame cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven or a skillet over medium heat to retain its crispiness, rather than microwaving, which can make it soggy.
