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Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Emily

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a crispy, oven-baked appetizer or side dish where golden cauliflower florets are tossed in a sweet, spicy, and garlicky sesame sauce. Perfect for a healthier plant-based alternative to takeout.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1/3 cup rice flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/3-1/4 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 (for sauce)
  • 1/4 cup water (for sauce slurry)
  • sesame seeds, for garnish
  • spring onions, for garnish
  • sliced chillis, for garnish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • baking tray
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200C / 392F. Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together rice flour, cornstarch, oil, garlic powder, and water to make a smooth batter.
  3. Coat the cauliflower florets in the batter and place in a single layer on the tray.
  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes until just cooked but still crisp.
  5. In a saucepan, cook sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, ginger, and garlic for 5–6 minutes.
  6. Whisk cornstarch with water, add to the pan, and cook until sauce thickens.
  7. Remove from heat, stir in honey or maple syrup, and adjust seasoning.
  8. Toss baked cauliflower with sauce until evenly coated.
  9. Garnish with sesame seeds, spring onions, and sliced chillis. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra heat, increase the sriracha. To make it vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey. This dish tastes best served immediately to keep the cauliflower crisp.