This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a delicious twist on a classic, making veggies fun! The cauliflower is crispy and coated in a sweet and sticky sesame sauce.
I love how quick it is to whip up on a busy day. Serve it as a tasty side or on its own—just be ready to go back for seconds (or thirds)! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is key for this dish. If you’re unable to find it, broccoli can work as a tasty substitute. Both are nutritious and flavorful when prepared similarly.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create a crispy batter. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free flour blend or even chickpea flour for a protein boost.
Honey/Maple Syrup: These add sweetness to the sauce. You can swap honey for agave syrup if you need a vegan option. Brown sugar mixed with water also works in a pinch!
Soy Sauce: A must for the salty depth in the dish. For a gluten-free version, try tamari or coconut aminos.
How Do I Get My Cauliflower Extra Crispy?
The crispy finishing touch for your cauliflower comes from the battering and frying method. Make sure every floret is evenly coated in the batter. The key is to fry in small batches. This prevents overcrowding, allowing the florets to crisp up nicely.
- Heat oil properly—medium heat is best for even cooking.
- Once fried, place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil before adding to the sauce.
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (white and black)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes for prep and around 15-20 minutes for cooking, making the total time approximately 35-40 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it together until you have a smooth batter. This will be the coating for our cauliflower, giving it that crispy texture!
2. Coating the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. This is what will help it become crispy and delicious when fried.
3. Frying the Cauliflower:
In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the battered cauliflower florets in the oil, frying them in batches. Cook each batch for about 4-5 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy. Make sure to drain the fried florets on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.
4. Making the Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Thickening the Sauce:
Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Keep stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes shiny. Then, remove it from the heat. This sauce is what will give our cauliflower that sticky, sweet flavor!
6. Combining & Serving:
Toss the fried cauliflower in the sticky sesame sauce until every piece is well-coated. Serve the sticky sesame cauliflower over a bed of cooked white rice.
7. Garnishing:
Top your dish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation. Enjoy your delicious Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead?
Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before battering and frying to avoid excess moisture which can result in sogginess.
What Can I Substitute for Honey or Maple Syrup?
If you need a different sweetener, try agave syrup for a vegan option, or use brown sugar mixed with a bit of water as an alternative. Just keep the overall sweetness to your taste preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for the best texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cauliflower soggy.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or even a splash of Sriracha for extra heat. Adjust according to your spice preference during cooking!
