Ingredients:

For the Batter:

• All-purpose flour (maida) – ½ cup
• Corn flour – 2 tablespoons
• Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Pepper – 1 teaspoon
• Water – As needed (for making the batter)
• Oil – For deep frying

For the Honey Garlic Cauliflower:

• Fried cauliflower florets – From the batter-fried cauliflower
• Oil – 3 teaspoons (for stir-frying)
• Garlic – 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Onion – 1, chopped
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
• Pepper – 1 teaspoon
• Chili flakes – 1 teaspoon
• Soy sauce – 2 teaspoons
• Vinegar – 2 teaspoons
• Tomato ketchup – 3 tablespoons
• Water – As needed (to adjust sauce consistency)
• Corn flour slurry – (Corn flour mixed with water, to thicken the sauce)
• Honey – 2 tablespoons
• Spring onions – Chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Batter and Fry the Cauliflower

1. Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of corn flour, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Gradually add water, whisking until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too runny.
2. Coat the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into medium-sized florets and dip them into the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or wok, heat enough oil for deep frying over medium heat.
4. Fry the Cauliflower: Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the batter-coated cauliflower florets into the oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook until the florets are golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic and Onion: In a large skillet or wok, heat 3 teaspoons of oil over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Season the Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of chili flakes to the skillet. Stir well to combine and sauté for another minute to release the flavors.
3. Add the Liquid Ingredients: Pour in 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of vinegar, and 3 tablespoons of tomato ketchup. Stir everything together to create the base of the sauce.
4. Adjust the Consistency: Add a splash of water to the sauce to adjust the consistency to your liking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less water.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon of corn flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the sauce while stirring continuously. The sauce will thicken as it heats. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
6. Add Honey: Finally, stir in 2 tablespoons of honey for a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Stir the sauce until it’s smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Combine the Cauliflower and Sauce

1. Toss the Cauliflower in the Sauce: Add the fried cauliflower florets to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss the cauliflower in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Garnish the honey garlic cauliflower with chopped spring onions for added freshness and color.
2. Serve Hot: Serve immediately as a side dish, snack, or main course. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, or you can enjoy it on its own.

Cooking Tips:

• Batter Consistency: Ensure the batter is thick enough to coat the cauliflower evenly. If the batter is too thin, the cauliflower will not be as crispy after frying.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder and chili flakes. For extra heat, feel free to add more chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.
• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying the cauliflower. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy cauliflower instead of crispy pieces.
• Keep the Sauce Consistency Right: The corn flour slurry is essential for thickening the sauce. Start with a little, as you can always add more if you want a thicker sauce.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the honey garlic cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cauliflower may lose some of its crispiness, but you can reheat it in the oven or air fryer to regain some of that crunch.
• Reheating: Reheat the cauliflower in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to warm it through while keeping it crispy.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 5-7 g
• Fat: 20-24 g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
• Fiber: 5-6 g
• Sugar: 10-12 g
• Sodium: 600-700 mg

This dish offers a good balance of carbohydrates and fats with moderate protein content. It is relatively high in sodium due to the soy sauce, so you may want to adjust salt levels based on your dietary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free.

2. Can I bake the cauliflower instead of frying it? Absolutely! You can bake the cauliflower by placing the battered florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

3. What other vegetables can I use in this recipe? If you want to add variety, you can use broccoli, bell peppers, or even tofu along with the cauliflower for a more diverse texture and flavor.

4. How do I prevent the cauliflower from becoming soggy? To keep the cauliflower crispy, serve the dish immediately after tossing it in the sauce. You can also reheat it in an oven or air fryer to crisp it up again if needed.

5. Can I make the sauce in advance? Yes! You can make the honey garlic sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with the freshly fried cauliflower.

Conclusion:

Honey Garlic Cauliflower is a delightful dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s great for gatherings, a family dinner, or as an appetizer for special occasions. The combination of crispy fried cauliflower and the sticky, flavorful sauce makes every bite irresistible. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the spice level and even bake the cauliflower for a lighter option. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a new take on cauliflower, this Honey Garlic Cauliflower recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures in this satisfying dish!