This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a tasty treat! It features crispy cauliflower pieces coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce that makes every bite a delight.
I love making this dish because it’s quick, healthy, and always a hit! Pair it with rice or enjoy it as a snack—whatever you choose, you’ll be going back for seconds! 🥦✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is best for this recipe. If you need a quick option, frozen cauliflower florets will also work! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
Flour: All-purpose flour creates a nice crispy texture. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to achieve a similar crunch.
Sauce Ingredients: Soy sauce is essential for that umami flavor. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative. For sweetness, honey is my go-to, but maple syrup works well if you want a vegan option!
Garnish: The sesame seeds add crunch and flavor. In a pinch, you can skip them, or use any nuts or seeds you have on hand. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also brighten the dish.
How Do I Get the Cauliflower Really Crispy?
Frying cauliflower can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can get it perfectly crispy. Here’s what works for me:
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding cauliflower. A good test is to drop a small piece of batter into the oil – it should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this keeps the temperature consistent and helps them crisp up nicely.
- Drain fried pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil which keeps them crispy!
How to Make Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sticky Sesame Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon toasted black sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 20-30 minutes of cooking time. A quick total of around 45 minutes to make a delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter and Cauliflower:
Begin by taking a large bowl and whisk together the flour, water, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth. This will create your batter. Next, add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss them gently to coat them evenly in the batter. Make sure they are nicely coated—this will help them crisp up when frying!
2. Fry the Cauliflower:
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small amount of batter in—if it sizzles, it’s ready!), add the battered cauliflower pieces in small batches. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. After frying, remove them from the pan and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
3. Make the Sesame Sauce:
While your cauliflower is frying, you can prepare the sticky sesame sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes (if you’re using them). Heat this mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer gently. Stir it occasionally to combine all the flavors.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
Once your sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry (the mixture of cornstarch and water). Keep cooking for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes a sticky glaze.
5. Coat the Cauliflower:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Toss the fried cauliflower pieces in the sticky sesame sauce. Ensure each piece is evenly coated in that delicious glaze. You can do this in the pan or transfer everything to a large bowl for easier tossing.
6. Serve:
Your Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is now ready to serve! Place it over steamed rice or enjoy it on its own. Don’t forget to garnish with toasted white and black sesame seeds, and sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Dig in and enjoy this scrumptious dish that’s both sticky and crispy! It’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before coating it in the batter. This will help achieve that desired crispy texture when frying.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the sticky sesame sauce. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based!
Can I Prepare the Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sticky sesame sauce a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick reheat on the stove before tossing it with the fried cauliflower to warm it up.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Note that the cauliflower may lose some crispiness when reheated.
