Sticky Sesame Cauliflower Recipe
Introduction
Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a delicious, flavorful dish that combines crispy roasted cauliflower with a rich, savory sauce. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, it offers a wonderful balance of heat, sweetness, and umami.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/3 cup rice flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup water
- 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 inch 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
- Sesame seeds, spring onions, sliced chillis (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together rice flour, 1 tbsp cornstarch, oil, garlic powder, and 1/4 to 1/3 cup water until you get a smooth, thick batter.
- Step 3: Coat the cauliflower florets evenly in the batter and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.
- Step 4: Bake the cauliflower for 20-25 minutes at 200°C (392°F) until tender but still crunchy. Avoid overcooking.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, ginger, and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes.
- Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1/4 cup water. Add this mixture to the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Step 7: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in honey or maple syrup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 8: Toss the baked cauliflower gently in the sticky sesame sauce until well coated.
- Step 9: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped spring onions, and sliced chillis. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, broil the coated cauliflower for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Adjust sriracha quantity to control the heat level exactly to your preference.
- Try swapping rice flour with chickpea flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
- Garnish with crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Storage
Store leftover sticky sesame cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving directly as it may soften the coating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and rice flour or another gluten-free flour substitute.
How do I keep the cauliflower crispy after coating?
Coat the florets evenly and avoid overcrowding the baking tray. Baking at a high temperature helps to keep them crispy. Tossing in sauce just before serving prevents sogginess.
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Sticky Sesame Cauliflower Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower recipe features crispy baked cauliflower florets coated in a luscious, sweet and spicy sesame sauce. Perfect as a flavorful vegetarian appetizer or side dish, it combines a crunchy texture with a balanced blend of soy, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a touch of heat from sriracha, finished with fresh garnishes for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Batter
- 1 medium Cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/3 cup Rice flour
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Oil
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup Water
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 inch 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
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Spring onions
- Sliced chillis
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Tray and Batter: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make the Batter: In a small bowl, whisk together rice flour, cornstarch, oil, garlic powder (if using), and water until you achieve a smooth, thick batter that will evenly coat the cauliflower florets.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking tray, avoiding overcrowding to allow even cooking.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until florets are just tender and the coating is slightly crispy. Be careful not to overcook as you want the cauliflower to remain crunchy.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, minced ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. If using maple syrup, add it at this stage.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly add this to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. Remove from heat and stir in honey. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toss and Garnish: Once cauliflower is baked, transfer it to a large bowl and toss with the sticky sesame sauce until well coated. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped spring onions, and sliced chillis. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the sriracha quantity based on preferred spice level.
- Use honey or maple syrup interchangeably depending on dietary preference.
- Make sure not to overbake the cauliflower to keep it crunchy rather than mushy.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure soy sauce used is gluten-free tamari.
- Leftover cauliflower can be reheated but may lose some crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Keywords: Sticky Sesame Cauliflower, Baked Cauliflower, Vegetarian Appetizer, Asian Cauliflower Recipe, Sweet Spicy Cauliflower
