Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Sticky Sesame Cauliflower recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and easy to make. You’ll love how the cauliflower takes on a crispy, golden exterior while maintaining a tender, succulent interior. The rich and flavorful sauce, packed with savory, spicy, and sweet notes, coats each piece perfectly, adding depth to the dish. Whether served as a main course or a side, this dish brings an Asian flair to your dinner table that is sure to impress your guests or your family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets

• 1/3 cup rice flour

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp oil

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

• 1/3 – 1/4 cup water

For the 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″ 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

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds

• Spring onions

• Sliced chilies

Directions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower:

   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper.

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the rice flour, cornstarch, oil, garlic powder (if using), and water to make a thick smooth mixture.

   • Coat the cauliflower florets evenly with this mixture and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.

   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking that the cauliflower is cooked through but still retains its crunch. Avoid overcooking it.

2. Make the Sauce:

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

   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add this mixture to the simmering sauce. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

   • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the honey (or maple syrup). Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Assemble:

   • Once the cauliflower is done, toss it in the prepared sauce until evenly coated.

   • Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped spring onions, and sliced chilies.

   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Increase the amount of sriracha sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.

• Sweet: Substitute the honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different level of sweetness.

• Gluten-Free: Make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to maintain the gluten-free status of this dish.

• Add Veggies: You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or broccoli, to the sauce for more variety and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Sticky Sesame Cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes for the best texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the cauliflower may lose some of its crispness.

FAQs

1. Can I make Sticky Sesame Cauliflower ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower and sauce separately in advance. Just store them in separate containers and toss them together when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use frozen cauliflower?

While fresh cauliflower works best for texture, frozen cauliflower can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before coating and baking.

3. What can I serve with Sticky Sesame Cauliflower?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or a simple green salad to balance out the rich flavors.

4. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to suit your spice preference. You can also add red pepper flakes to the sauce for additional heat.

5. How do I prevent the cauliflower from getting soggy?

To maintain the cauliflower’s crispy texture, be sure not to overcrowd the baking tray. Additionally, don’t overcook the cauliflower – bake until just tender and crisp.

6. Can I use a different oil instead of sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with vegetable or olive oil, although the flavor will not be the same. Sesame oil adds a distinct flavor to the dish.

7. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan. The honey can be swapped with maple syrup or agave syrup to make it fully plant-based.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply cook it a little longer after adding the cornstarch and water mixture, allowing it to reduce to your desired consistency.

9. Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, you can add tofu or tempeh for a protein boost. Simply cube and pan-fry the tofu, then toss it in the sauce along with the cauliflower.

10. How can I make the cauliflower crispier?

For extra crispiness, you can toss the coated cauliflower in some panko breadcrumbs before baking or fry the cauliflower instead of baking it.

Conclusion

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy cauliflower with a savory, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer. With simple ingredients and a short cooking time, you’ll have a dish that satisfies cravings and impresses everyone at the table. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or as part of a larger feast, this dish will surely become a favorite!