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- Cauliflower florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup water - Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 teaspoons sesame oil To make Sticky Sesame Cauliflower, you need fresh cauliflower. I prefer medium-sized florets. They fry nicely and soak up the sauce well. The batter is key to getting that perfect crunch. You mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then add water slowly until the batter is smooth. For the sauce, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This mix gives the dish its sticky and sweet flavor. - Toasted sesame seeds - Chopped green onions Garnishes add texture and flavor. I love to sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. They add a nice crunch. Chopped green onions bring a fresh taste and color to the dish. - Vegetable oil - Canola oil For frying, I recommend using vegetable or canola oil. Both oils have a high smoke point. This keeps the cauliflower crispy and prevents burning. Make sure to heat the oil well before adding the batter-coated florets. This step is crucial for getting that golden, crispy finish. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your dry ingredients. You need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix them in a bowl. This blend gives the batter a tasty kick. Next, add water. Pour in 1/2 cup of water slowly while you whisk. Keep stirring until the batter is smooth and thick. This step is key. A good batter sticks well to the cauliflower, giving it that crunchy coating. Now it’s time for the cauliflower. Take your medium head of cauliflower and cut it into florets. Dip each floret into the batter. Make sure each piece is covered well. Let any extra batter drip off. This helps with the frying process. If the batter is too thick, it won't fry right. Heat oil for frying. Use a large pot or deep skillet. Set the heat to medium-high. Check the oil’s readiness by dropping a tiny bit of batter into it. If it sizzles, you are good to go. Carefully add the coated florets in batches. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes. You want them golden brown and crispy. Avoid crowding the pan. This keeps the heat even. Once done, remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps soak up extra oil. Enjoy the crispy texture! For the best crispy texture, batter consistency matters a lot. Aim for a thick batter that clings well to the cauliflower. If it's too runny, it won't coat properly, leading to soggy bites. Start with one cup of all-purpose flour and half a cup of cornstarch. Mix in your spices and then add water bit by bit until you reach a smooth texture. Timing is key when frying. Fry the cauliflower in small batches. This keeps the oil temperature steady, helping each piece become golden and crispy. If you overcrowd the pan, the temperature drops. This can make your cauliflower greasy instead of crispy. To boost the flavor of your sticky sesame cauliflower, add more spices to the batter. Consider using cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky touch. You can also mix in some ginger powder for warmth. For the sauce, thickness matters too. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) to thicken it quickly. Just stir it in while cooking. When serving, a colorful platter makes a big difference. Place the sticky cauliflower on a bright dish for contrast. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top for a nice touch. Adding chopped green onions not only adds color but also a fresh bite. Wedge some lime slices on the side. When squeezed over the dish, they add a zesty kick. This makes your dish not just tasty but also appealing to the eyes. Pro Tips Ensure Even Coating: Make sure each cauliflower floret is thoroughly coated with the batter to achieve a uniform crispness when frying. Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent medium-high heat. If the temperature drops, the batter may become soggy instead of crispy. Batch Frying: Fry the cauliflower in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. This ensures even cooking and prevents the temperature from dropping too much. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by adding more maple syrup or soy sauce according to your taste preference. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sauce to match your taste. For a spicy kick, add chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the mix. This adds heat and depth to the dish. For a sweet twist, try using honey or agave instead of maple syrup. These options bring a unique flavor that pairs well with the cauliflower. If you want a vegan version, you can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Almond or rice flour works great. You can also swap the maple syrup with agave nectar for a vegan option. Make sure to check that your soy sauce is vegan as well. It’s easy to make this dish fit your diet! This dish is a star on its own, but you can make it even better. Serve the sticky sesame cauliflower with steamed rice. It balances the dish perfectly. You can also add stir-fried vegetables for extra color and nutrition. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work well. Enjoy your meal with friends or family! To keep your sticky sesame cauliflower fresh, start by letting it cool down. Place it on a plate or in a bowl. Avoid sealing it while it's hot; steam can make it soggy. Once it cools, transfer the cauliflower to an airtight container. This step helps maintain its crispness. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. To keep the cauliflower crispy, use the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-8 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. You can freeze sticky sesame cauliflower, but timing matters. It’s best to freeze it before frying. After coating the florets, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This method prevents them from sticking together. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If you freeze after frying, the texture may suffer. Yes, you can bake it! Baking is a great way to cut down on oil. It makes the dish less greasy. However, baked cauliflower may not be as crispy as fried. To bake, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the coated florets on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is healthier but may lack the crunch you get from frying. To thicken the sauce, you can make a simple change. Add more cornstarch. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce while it simmers. Heat it for an extra minute. This will help you achieve that perfect sticky texture you want. Just remember to add slowly and stir well! Sticky Sesame Cauliflower pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty ideas: - Steamed jasmine rice - Stir-fried mixed vegetables - Quinoa for a nutty flavor - A fresh green salad - Noodles tossed in soy sauce These options help balance the dish's sweetness and add nutrition to your meal. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings! You now have a complete guide to making Sticky Sesame Cauliflower. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips for perfect texture and flavor. Remember to play with garnishes and sauces to make it your own. Cooking is fun, and your choices can change this dish. Whether you're frying, baking, or trying new ingredients, enjoy the process and share your results!

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

A delicious and crispy cauliflower dish coated in a sticky sesame sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup water
  • as needed oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add water while whisking until the batter is smooth and thick.
  • Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Ensure they are evenly coated.
  • Fry the cauliflower: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the battered florets in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes). Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Make the sticky sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Toss and serve: Add the crispy cauliflower to the saucepan and gently toss to coat each piece evenly in the sauce. Remove from heat.
  • Garnishing: Transfer the sticky sesame cauliflower to a serving platter, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

Serve on a colorful platter with lime slices for a zesty touch.
Keyword appetizer, cauliflower, sesame, vegan