This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a tasty treat that’s both crunchy and sweet! The cauliflower is roasted until it’s golden and then tossed in a sticky sesame sauce that makes it hard to resist.
Honestly, I can snack on this all day and feel great about it! It’s a fun side dish and perfect for impressing friends. Plus, you can easily whip it up in no time—talk about a win! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is key for this recipe, but you can use frozen florets in a pinch. Just ensure they’re thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a nice coating, but you can swap it with rice flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Honey or Maple Syrup: I prefer honey for a richer sweetness, but maple syrup works well too, especially for vegan options. Just remember, the flavor will slightly change.
Sesame Oil: This adds a wonderful depth. If you’re out, a bit of olive oil could work, but the taste won’t be the same!
Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar, use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, but adjust the amount as they can be stronger.
How Do You Get Cauliflower Crispy Without Frying?
Getting that delightful crunch without deep-frying is all about the baking and the batter. Here’s how:
- Keep the oven hot at 425°F (220°C) and preheat it well before putting the cauliflower in.
- Make sure each floret is coated in a thin batter. If it’s too thick, it won’t crisp up well; too thin, and it won’t coat properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each floret space so the hot air can circulate and crisp up the edges.
- Flip the cauliflower halfway through baking. This ensures both sides get that nice golden-brown crust.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have crispy, mouth-watering cauliflower that’s absolutely delicious!
Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds (white and black) for garnish
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake the cauliflower. In total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes getting everything ready. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a quick spray with cooking oil so the cauliflower doesn’t stick.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You want a smooth batter that can nicely coat the cauliflower.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Once coated, place them on the baking sheet, spacing them out so they have some room to crisp up.
4. Bake the Cauliflower:
Now, pop the baking sheet into the oven! Bake the cauliflower for about 20-25 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through to get that beautiful golden-brown color on both sides!
5. Prepare the Sauce:
While the cauliflower bakes, let’s make the sticky sesame sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat if you’re using it. Then add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until they’re fragrant.
6. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
Pour in the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and rice vinegar. Stir it all together to combine. This is where the magic happens!
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan to thicken your sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce looks glossy and is a little thicker. Remove it from the heat once done!
8. Toss the Cauliflower:
Once your cauliflower is baked and crispy, take it out of the oven and gently toss it in the sticky sesame sauce until it’s well coated. Yum!
9. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your delicious sticky sesame cauliflower over a bed of warm cooked white rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle it generously with white and black sesame seeds and top with chopped green onions or cilantro to make it pop. Enjoy your meal!
This recipe creates a wonderful balance of sticky sweetness from the honey and soy, the aromatic garlic and ginger, and a crunchy, tender cauliflower base, all enhanced with toasted sesame seeds for that extra flavor boost!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture to ensure it gets crispy in the oven.
What Can I Substitute for Honey in the Sauce?
If you prefer a vegan option, maple syrup is a great substitute for honey. You can also use agave syrup or brown sugar dissolved in a little water for similar sweetness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm them on the stovetop. Note that the cauliflower may lose some crispiness upon reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like some heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your taste preference!
