This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is crispy, sweet, and oh-so-scrumptious! It’s perfect for a quick meal or a tasty snack that’s packed with flavor.
Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that combines veggies with a delicious sweet and sticky sauce? I could eat this for lunch every day and not get bored! 😊
Making it is a breeze; just roast the cauliflower and toss it in sesame sauce. I always keep some extra sauce for kids to dip! Enjoy the crunch and sweetness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is a must for this recipe, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen florets can work. Just thaw them and pat dry before battering.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a great texture, but for gluten-free diets, substitute with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve found chickpea flour works nicely too for a protein boost!
Soy Sauce: If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos as a tasty alternative. It has a similar flavor profile but with less sodium. Use tamari for a gluten-free option too!
Sweetener: Honey is my go-to, but maple syrup is a great vegan substitute. You can also use agave syrup or brown sugar, just keep the flavor profile in mind!
Sriracha: We’ll add heat with sriracha, but you can adjust the amount based on your spice preference. If you want it milder, skip it or use a small pinch of red pepper flakes.
How Can I Get My Cauliflower Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunchy texture is key! The batter helps, but here are some tips:
- Make sure to preheat your oven. A hot oven sets the batter right away for better crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each floret space to steam off moisture!
- Drizzle oil instead of soaking the cauliflower. A light coat helps it get golden without being heavy.
- Flip the cauliflower halfway through baking for even cooking— this ensures all sides get that crispy texture.
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for roasting)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (white and black)
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. So, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 40 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your cauliflower will get nice and crispy when roasted! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light greasing.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, water, garlic powder, and salt together until you have a smooth batter. If it’s too thick, just add a splash more water!
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, shaking off any extra. Then, place them all on the prepared baking sheet. This step is essential for the nice, crispy coating!
4. Roast the Cauliflower:
Drizzle or brush the cauliflower pieces with olive oil. It’ll help them crisp up beautifully in the oven! Roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they get golden and crispy all over.
5. Prepare the Sticky Sesame Sauce:
While your cauliflower is roasting, make the sticky sesame sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Let this simmer gently.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Once your sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens up and looks glossy—this is what makes it sticky!
7. Combine and Coat:
Once the cauliflower is roasted to perfection, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the sticky sesame sauce over it and toss gently until every piece is nicely coated.
8. Serve it Up:
Dish out the coated cauliflower over some warm cooked rice. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. If you like, top it off with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor!
9. Enjoy!
Now dig in and enjoy your crispy, sticky, sweet, and savory sesame cauliflower! It’s not just easy and delicious; it’s also packed with flavor and great for any meal.
This dish makes for an easy, flavorful, and satisfying vegetarian meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the cauliflower and pat it dry before coating it in the batter to ensure it crisps up nicely in the oven.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey or Maple Syrup?
If you prefer to omit these sweeteners, you can use agave syrup or brown sugar. Adjust the quantity to taste, as different sweeteners may vary in sweetness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and add a splash of water to keep it from drying out!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when tossing the cauliflower to kick up the heat. Just be sure to adjust according to your spice preference!
