This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a fun and tasty dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves crunch and flavor! The cauliflower is coated in a sweet and sticky sesame sauce that makes it hard to resist.
I love serving this on busy weeknights because it’s quick to make and always brings smiles to the table. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a little crunch with every bite? 🥦✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of this dish! I love using fresh cauliflower for its great texture. If you’re in a pinch, frozen cauliflower can work, but you may want to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour gives the batter a lovely crunch. For a gluten-free option, almond flour or chickpea flour can be good substitutes, but the texture may vary a bit.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both add sweetness to the sauce. For a vegan option, maple syrup is a perfect choice. I often go with honey for its thick texture, which gives a nice glaze.
Soy Sauce: This is key for that umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos work well as a substitute and are lower in sodium.
How Do You Fry Cauliflower Without Making a Mess?
Frying can seem tricky, but here are tips to keep it clean and easy!
- Be sure the oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) before adding the cauliflower. This prevents the batter from absorbing too much oil, keeping it light and crispy.
- Fry in small batches to reduce the temperature drop in the oil. This helps the cauliflower get that golden look.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried florets to paper towels. This helps drain excess oil and keeps your dish from becoming soggy.
With these tips, frying will feel less daunting, and you’ll enjoy crispy, sticky cauliflower in no time!
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sticky Sesame Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (white and black)
- Chopped green onions
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 30 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 15 minutes prepping and frying the cauliflower and another 15 minutes making the delicious sticky sauce and serving it deliciously over rice. Quick and super tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. It should have a consistency similar to pancake batter.
2. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure it gets fully coated. Then, lift it out and shake off any extra batter so that it’s just lightly coated. This will keep it from being too heavy when frying.
3. Fry the Cauliflower:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the battered cauliflower florets in small batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sticky Sesame Sauce:
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and if using, grated ginger and sriracha. Stir the mixture together and bring it to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for just 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens up slightly and becomes glossy.
6. Toss Cauliflower in Sauce:
In a large bowl, place the fried cauliflower and pour the sticky sesame sauce over it. Toss gently to coat each floret evenly in the delicious sauce.
7. Serve:
Spoon the coated sticky sesame cauliflower over a bed of cooked white rice. Finish it with a sprinkle of both white and black sesame seeds and some chopped green onions for that extra flair. Dig in and enjoy!
This recipe yields a delightful and crunchy sticky sesame cauliflower that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!😊
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 it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before battering. This prevents excess moisture that can make the batter soggy.
How Do I Make the Sauce Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce in the sticky sesame sauce. You can also add red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce to adjust the spice level to your liking!
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Cauliflower?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spray with cooking oil, then arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven to retain some crispness, or microwave them for a quick meal, knowing they’ll be softer.
These FAQs should help answer common questions and enhance your cooking experience! Enjoy your sticky sesame cauliflower! 🌟🥦
