Sticky Sesame Cauliflower - Easy Recipes for Flavorful Dinners
This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a delicious plant-based twist on a takeout favorite, made with crispy baked cauliflower tossed in a sweet, tangy sesame sauce.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup water (adjust for batter consistency)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for baking or air frying)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make a smooth batter.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off excess, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly brush or spray with oil, then bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- While cauliflower bakes, prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, ketchup, and sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry until sauce thickens.
- Toss the baked cauliflower in the sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions before serving.