Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is the star here! You can try using broccoli or a mix of both for a fun twist. If using frozen cauliflower, just ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained.

Flour: All-purpose flour works best for the batter. You can go gluten-free using almond flour or chickpea flour if needed, but the texture might vary a bit.

Sweetener: I love using honey for its rich flavor, but you can replace it with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option. Adjust based on your taste preference!

Vegetable Oil: While I recommend vegetable oil for frying, feel free to use canola or peanut oil. Just ensure it has a high smoke point for frying.

Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a fantastic nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, olive oil is a decent alternative, though it will slightly change the taste.

How Can I Fry Cauliflower Perfectly Without Making a Mess?

Frying can be tricky, but with a few pointers, you can nail it! Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before adding cauliflower. This helps keep the batter crispy and prevents sogginess.

• Don’t crowd the pan! Fry in small batches to allow even cooking.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the cauliflower and drain excess oil effectively on paper towels.
• Keep the finished batches warm in a low oven while you fry the rest to maintain crispiness.

These steps will help you achieve that perfect crispy texture while keeping your cooking area tidy! Enjoy frying your cauliflower to sticky perfection!

Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, finely grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• Sesame seeds (white and black), for garnish
• Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
• Cooked rice, for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower recipe should take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping ingredients and making the batter. Frying the cauliflower will take about 15 minutes, and then you’ll need just a few minutes to make the sauce and toss everything together. So, it’s quick and delicious!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Batter:

Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, whisk together the flour, water, salt, and black pepper until everything comes together smoothly. This batter will help make the cauliflower crispy when fried!

2. Prepare the Cauliflower:

Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter. Make sure to let any excess batter drip off before setting it aside on a plate. This will help prevent too much batter from frying off into the oil.

3. Heat the Oil:

In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour in your vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot—about 350°F (175°C)—so test it by dropping a small bit of batter in; if it sizzles and bubbles, you’re good to go!

4. Fry the Cauliflower:

Carefully add the battered cauliflower to the hot oil in batches, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain the excess oil.

5. Make the Sauce:

In another skillet or saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Place it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will create a deliciously sticky sauce for our cauliflower!

6. Thicken the Sauce:

To make your sauce even better, stir in the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier. Continue to cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and gets glossy. Yum!

7. Combine and Serve:

Now, it’s time to combine! Toss the crispy fried cauliflower in the sticky sesame sauce until they are all nicely coated. This is where the magic happens!

8. Garnish & Enjoy:

Serve your sticky sesame cauliflower over a bed of cooked rice. For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle some Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (or chives) on top. Enjoy your delicious and crispy dish!

Bon appétit and enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful sticky sesame cauliflower!

FAQ for Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to completely thaw and drain it to avoid excess moisture that can make the batter soggy. Pat it dry with paper towels before dipping in the batter.

How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

If you want to make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Check that your soy sauce is gluten-free, too—use tamari as a great alternative!

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover sesame cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to restore some crispiness. Just avoid microwaving, as it can make the cauliflower soggy.

Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sticky sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it gently before tossing with the fried cauliflower to ensure it’s warm and sticky!