This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a fun and tasty dish! It’s made with crispy cauliflower coated in a sweet and sticky sesame sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
I always find myself munching on this delightful treat as a snack or a side—it’s just too good to resist! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Use a medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets. If you want more variety, try using broccoli or even Brussels sprouts for a twist!
All-Purpose Flour: Regular all-purpose flour gives a nice crunch. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a similar effect.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These sweeteners add a sticky texture. If you’re looking for a vegan option, stick with maple syrup. Agave syrup is another great alternative!
Soy Sauce: This brings in that rich, umami flavor. For a low sodium option, use reduced sodium soy sauce. If you’re soy-free, coconut aminos work well.
Sesame Oil: Adds great flavor! If you need a substitute, try using olive oil or canola oil, though you won’t get that distinct sesame flavor.
How Can I Get My Cauliflower Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispiness, focus on both frying and baking the cauliflower. First, fry the battered florets until golden brown in a bit of hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to allow each piece to crisp up properly.
- After frying, baking makes a real difference. This step is essential! It helps remove any excess moisture.
- When baking, make sure to flip the cauliflower halfway through to ensure even crisping on all sides.
- Lastly, using a thin layer of oil can help to enhance the crispness!
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
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sticky Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water (for sauce slurry)
For Garnishing:
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (mix of white and black if available)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and then about 20 minutes for cooking, frying, and baking the cauliflower, plus the time it takes to whip up the tasty sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps ensure the cauliflower gets nice and crispy! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 1 cup of water, salt, and pepper until you’ve got a smooth batter. This will create a lovely coating for the cauliflower.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure they’re well coated! Give them a little shake to remove any excess batter so they won’t be too heavy.
4. Fry the Cauliflower:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the battered cauliflower in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan, until they are golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, transfer them onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for Extra Crispiness:
After frying, pop the baking sheet with the cauliflower into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping.
6. Prepare the Sticky Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, it’s time to whip up the sticky sesame sauce! Heat the sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells delicious and fragrant.
7. Mix the Sauce Ingredients:
Whisk in the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and rice vinegar. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to let those flavors meld together beautifully.
8. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry. Pour this into the simmering sauce, whisking until it thickens and becomes glossy, which should take about 1 minute. Then remove from heat.
9. Toss Cauliflower in Sauce:
Once the cauliflower is out of the oven, toss the crispy florets in the sticky sesame sauce until they are fully coated.
10. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your sticky sesame cauliflower over a bed of cooked white rice. Top it off generously with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if you like.
11. Dig In!
Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and sticky sesame cauliflower! It’s perfect as a side dish or even as a satisfying snack. Yummy!
This dish brings a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors with a satisfying crunch—perfect for any time you’re craving something tasty!
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 coating it in the batter. This will help achieve that nice crispiness.
What Can I Substitute for Honey or Maple Syrup?
If you’re looking for alternatives, agave syrup or brown sugar dissolved in water can work well. Just remember that each option may slightly alter the flavor, but they’ll still give you that sweet sticky sauce!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cauliflower and the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then simply toss the cauliflower in the sauce and reheat when ready to serve!
