Description
Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a delicious and healthy vegan dish featuring crispy baked cauliflower florets coated in a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy sticky sesame sauce. This recipe combines the crunch of baked cauliflower with a flavorful Asian-inspired glaze made from soy, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness, making it perfect as a snack, side dish, or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Coating
- 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
Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Spring onions, sliced
- Sliced chillis
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower Coating: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together rice flour, cornstarch, oil, garlic powder (if using), and water until you achieve a smooth, thick batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip and coat the cauliflower florets thoroughly in the batter, ensuring each piece is covered evenly. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Bake the coated cauliflower for 20-25 minutes at 200°C (392°F), until tender but still retaining a crunchy texture. Avoid overcooking to keep the florets crisp.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine sesame oil, light soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, minced ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes to blend the flavors. If using maple syrup, add it now.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Add this mixture into the simmering sauce and stir continuously. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the honey. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed to balance sweetness and heat.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the cauliflower is baked, toss the florets gently in the sticky sesame sauce until well coated. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced spring onions, and sliced chillis. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Do not overbake the cauliflower to maintain a nice crunch.
- Honey and maple syrup are interchangeable for sweetness; use vegan maple syrup for a completely vegan dish.
- This dish is best served fresh to keep the sauce sticky and the cauliflower crisp.
- You can double the sauce ingredients for extra coating or leftover dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian, Vegan
Keywords: sticky sesame cauliflower, baked cauliflower recipe, vegan cauliflower recipe, Asian cauliflower dish, healthy snack, gluten free cauliflower
