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Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
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Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a crispy, sweet, and savory vegan dish featuring perfectly battered cauliflower florets coated in a luscious and sticky sesame glaze. This versatile recipe works as a healthy appetizer, satisfying main course, or fun side dish, combining a delightful crunchy texture with a balanced flavor profile of sweet, savory, and nutty notes. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for any meal or snack and can be adapted to gluten-free and baked variations.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cauliflower and Batter

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup cold water
  • Vegetable oil, for frying or brushing (about 1/4 cup)

For the Sticky Sesame Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and cold water until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower florets evenly without dripping off.
  2. Coat the cauliflower: Pat the cauliflower florets dry thoroughly, then dip each piece into the batter, ensuring every floret is fully coated for maximum crispiness.
  3. Cook the cauliflower: For frying, heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the coated florets until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. For baking, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), lightly brush or toss florets in vegetable oil, place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and crunchy.
  4. Prepare the sticky sesame sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Warm the sauce until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Toss and glaze: Transfer the cooked cauliflower into the sauce pan, gently tossing to coat every floret completely with the sticky sesame glaze.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the glazed cauliflower. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Pat cauliflower completely dry before battering to ensure the batter sticks and results in a crispier texture.
  • Use cold water in the batter to keep it light and crunchy after cooking.
  • Fry or bake cauliflower in batches without overcrowding for even cooking and optimal crispiness.
  • Toss cauliflower in warm sauce immediately to maintain the sticky glaze.
  • Lightly toast sesame seeds in a dry pan before garnishing to enhance their nutty aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky sesame cauliflower, vegan appetizer, gluten-free cauliflower recipe, baked sesame cauliflower, crispy cauliflower, healthy snack

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/sticky-sesame-cauliflower/