Description
Sticky sesame cauliflower is a flavor-packed dish featuring crispy baked cauliflower florets tossed in a sweet and savory sesame glaze. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main dish, with a satisfying crunch and bold, balanced flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup water or plant milk
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and water until smooth.
- Toss cauliflower florets in the batter until evenly coated.
- Arrange florets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Once cauliflower is golden and crispy, gently toss it in the sauce until well coated.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Notes
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack when baking.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sticky sesame cauliflower, vegan sesame cauliflower, baked cauliflower recipe, Asian-inspired cauliflower, crispy cauliflower