This sticky sesame cauliflower dish is both easy and tasty! It’s made with crispy cauliflower tossed in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce that will have you coming back for more.
Honestly, who knew cauliflower could taste this good? I love serving it over rice for a complete meal. It’s perfect for impressing friends or just satisfying a snack attack! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the dish. Fresh cauliflower helps achieve that crispy texture. For a change, you can try using broccoli or tofu if you’re looking to mix things up.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the base for the batter. If you want a gluten-free option, go for almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. It may change the texture slightly, but it’s still delicious!
Sauces: Soy sauce adds depth to the flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos is a great substitute. For vegan options, stick to maple syrup instead of honey.
Spices: Garlic powder and smoked paprika add warmth and flavor. You can skip the paprika if it’s not available, or use regular paprika for a milder taste.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Cauliflower?
Getting that ideal crispy texture requires a few key steps. First, ensure the cauliflower florets are well-coated with the batter, but not drenched. This helps them fry evenly.
- Heat your oil properly; it should shimmer before adding the cauliflower.
- Fry in small batches to avoid crowding the pan. This keeps the oil hot and ensures each piece gets crispy.
- Let the fried pieces drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil, which keeps them crunchy.
Following these steps will give you that perfect crunch, just like in the photo!
What’s the Key to a Thick, Sticky Sauce?
A thick, sticky sauce is essential for this dish! To achieve that, you should cook the sauce until it simmers gently, then gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry. This method helps avoid lumps and gives you that glossy finish.
- Make sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry before adding it to the sauce.
- Cook for a couple of minutes until you see the sauce thicken and become shiny.
This will cling beautifully to your fried cauliflower for an irresistible bite!
Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients
- Cauliflower: 1 medium head, cut into bite-sized florets
- Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for some smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Frying: Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sesame Sauce:
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
- Garnish:
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (white and black)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
- Cooked white or brown rice, to serve
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and another 20-25 minutes for cooking. In total, you should spend around 45 minutes to create a delicious meal that serves 4 people. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a fun weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter and Cauliflower
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. Take your cauliflower florets and toss them in this mixture until they are well coated.
2. Fry the Cauliflower
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully add the battered cauliflower in small batches to the hot oil. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy all around. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried cauliflower to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Sticky Sesame Sauce
In a separate pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and rice vinegar. Stir everything together and let it gently simmer for a few minutes.
4. Thicken the Sauce
Now, stir in the cornstarch slurry (the cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy and sticky.
5. Coat the Cauliflower
Add the fried cauliflower to the sesame sauce in the pan. Toss gently to ensure each piece is completely coated with the delicious sticky sauce.
6. Serve
Place your sticky sesame cauliflower over a generous bed of cooked rice. Finish off by garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions or chives for an added sprinkle of flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Dive into this crispy, sticky, and savory-sweet cauliflower dish fresh and hot. It’s perfect for sharing or just for enjoying all by yourself! This recipe is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Cauliflower?
Absolutely! While cauliflower is the star of this dish, you can also try using broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even tofu for a variation. Just make sure the cooking times are adjusted accordingly based on the vegetable’s texture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply substitute honey with maple syrup. Also, make sure to use a plant-based option for the soy sauce, like tamari if you avoid gluten. Everything else in the recipe is already vegan-friendly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat to keep the cauliflower crispy, or in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just note that reheating may soften the cauliflower a bit.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and the sticky sesame sauce in advance! Keep them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Fry the cauliflower and toss it in the sauce just before serving to ensure that everything stays crispy and fresh.
