Introduction

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a flavorful, crispy dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes. It’s an excellent vegetarian alternative to sticky chicken and makes a great appetizer or side dish. The tender-crisp cauliflower florets are coated in a luscious sesame sauce that’s impossible to resist.

A white bowl filled half with fluffy white rice sprinkled with small green onion pieces on top, and the other half with bright orange cauliflower florets coated in a glossy, sticky sauce with red chili flakes, topped with toasted sesame seeds and scattered green onion pieces. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with part of a yellow striped cloth visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets

1/3 cup rice flour

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp oil

1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

1/4 – 1/3 cup water

1.5 tbsp sesame oil

1/4 cup light soy sauce

1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)

1 inch fresh ginger, finely minced

4-5 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup

1 tbsp cornstarch

1/4 cup water

Sesame seeds, spring onions, sliced chillis for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together rice flour, cornstarch, oil, garlic powder, and water until you get a smooth, thick batter.

Step 3: Coat the cauliflower florets evenly in the batter and spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.

Step 4: Bake the cauliflower for 20-25 minutes at 200°C (392°F) until tender but still crunchy. Avoid overcooking to retain texture.

Step 5: While the cauliflower bakes, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes.

Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water, then add this mixture to the simmering sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the honey or maple syrup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Toss the baked cauliflower in the sticky sauce until well coated.

Step 9: Garnish with sesame seeds, spring onions, and sliced chillis. Serve immediately and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour instead of rice flour?

Rice flour helps achieve a light and crispy coating, but you can substitute with cornstarch or chickpea flour. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.