Description
A delicious and crispy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower recipe featuring tender cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful batter, baked or air-fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a sweet and savory sticky sesame sauce. Perfect as a gluten-free appetizer or a tasty vegetarian main dish with an irresistible balance of umami, sweetness, and spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Batter
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sticky Sesame Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven or air fryer: Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure each piece is evenly coated with a thin layer.
- Bake or air fry the cauliflower: Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet (for oven) or in the air fryer basket. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. If air frying, cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- Prepare the sticky sesame sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Toss & serve: Remove the cooked cauliflower from the oven or air fryer and immediately toss it in the warm sticky sesame sauce, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the crunchy, sticky, and flavorful cauliflower bites.
Notes
- You can use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour to make the batter gluten-free.
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Ensure the cauliflower pieces are dry before dipping to help the batter adhere better.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated in an air fryer or oven to retain crispiness.
