If you’re looking for a bold and satisfying plant-based dish, this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower recipe is a must-try. Crispy, oven-baked cauliflower florets are tossed in a rich, sticky sauce made with sesame oil, soy sauce, and a hint of spice from Sriracha. The flavors of fresh garlic, ginger, and honey (or maple syrup) bring this dish together for a balanced sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sensation. It’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even the main event when served with rice or noodles. This recipe gives cauliflower a vibrant twist that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower:

1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
⅓ cup rice flour

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

⅓-¼ cup water

For the Sauce:

1½ tablespoons sesame oil
¼ cup light soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1-2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, finely minced

4-5 cloves of fresh garlic, finely minced
2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon cornstarch

¼ cup water

For Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Spring onions, chopped

Sliced chillis

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
Make the Batter:
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice flour, cornstarch, oil, garlic powder (if using), and water. The mixture should be smooth and thick.

Coat the Cauliflower:
Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until each floret is evenly coated. Place them in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.
Bake the Cauliflower:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cauliflower is just cooked and still retains a bit of crunch. Avoid overcooking as you want the texture to stay crispy.

Prepare the Sticky Sesame Sauce:

Cook the Aromatics:
While the cauliflower is baking, heat sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced ginger and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Rest of the Sauce Ingredients:
Stir in soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and Sriracha. If you’re using maple syrup instead of honey, add it at this stage.
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Gradually add this mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Finish the Sauce:
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the honey (or maple syrup). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer more spice, add extra Sriracha.

Toss and Serve:

Combine:
Once the cauliflower is done baking, toss it in the sticky sesame sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish:
Transfer the sticky sesame cauliflower to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds, chopped spring onions, and sliced chillis for an added kick of flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips:

Crispy Cauliflower: Make sure to bake the cauliflower in a single layer to ensure even crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the tray.

Customize the Heat: You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less Sriracha.
Rice Flour Alternative: If you don’t have rice flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, though rice flour gives the cauliflower a light and crisp texture.
Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce, cook it a little longer after adding the cornstarch slurry, or add slightly less water.

Nutritional Benefits:

Cauliflower is a nutrient powerhouse, rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. It’s a low-calorie vegetable that supports digestion and boosts immune health.
Sesame oil contains healthy fats and has antioxidant properties, while ginger and garlic add anti-inflammatory benefits.
Using honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar provides natural sweetness with additional nutrients like antioxidants and minerals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is bursting with flavor and has a satisfying crunch. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried cauliflower while still indulging in a sweet and savory sauce. The Sriracha adds a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey or maple syrup, and the sesame oil gives it a toasty depth. Whether you serve it as a side dish or the main event, it’s a delightful, guilt-free way to enjoy cauliflower.

Dietary Information:

Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a completely vegan dish.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using rice flour and gluten-free soy sauce.

Dairy-Free: The recipe contains no dairy, making it a perfect option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a plant-based diet.
Low in Calories: Cauliflower is low in calories, making this dish a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Why This Recipe Works:

The combination of roasted cauliflower with a sticky, flavorful sauce ensures the perfect balance of texture and taste. The rice flour and cornstarch create a light batter that crisps up in the oven without the need for deep frying. The sticky sauce clings to each floret, infusing it with layers of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors. This recipe is also highly adaptable—you can easily adjust the spice level and sweetness to your taste preference.

Conclusion:

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a delightful, flavorful dish that transforms a simple vegetable into something special. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to fried cauliflower or simply want to try something new, this recipe delivers on taste and texture. The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory elements makes it a hit at any table. Serve it as a starter, a side dish, or even a light main course, and enjoy the compliments that will surely follow!

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower – A Flavor-Packed, Plant-Based Delight

Author: Olivia

Total Time: 50mins

Print Recipe

Description

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.

Make the Batter:
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice flour, cornstarch, oil, garlic powder (if using), and water. The mixture should be smooth and thick.
Coat the Cauliflower:
Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until each floret is evenly coated. Place them in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.
Bake the Cauliflower:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cauliflower is just cooked and still retains a bit of crunch. Avoid overcooking as you want the texture to stay crispy.

Prepare the Sticky Sesame Sauce:

Cook the Aromatics:
While the cauliflower is baking, heat sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced ginger and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Rest of the Sauce Ingredients:
Stir in soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and Sriracha. If you’re using maple syrup instead of honey, add it at this stage.
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Gradually add this mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Finish the Sauce:
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the honey (or maple syrup). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer more spice, add extra Sriracha.

Toss and Serve:

Combine:
Once the cauliflower is done baking, toss it in the sticky sesame sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish:
Transfer the sticky sesame cauliflower to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds, chopped spring onions, and sliced chillis for an added kick of flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 20mins
Cook Time: 30mins

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