Go Back
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying) - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white or black for contrast) - 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create that rich, sticky flavor. The cauliflower gives a nice texture. Cornstarch helps it become crispy when fried. Oil is key for frying, while soy sauce and maple syrup add the sweet and salty taste. Garlic and ginger boost the flavor, making it more aromatic. - Chili flakes for heat - Fresh herbs like cilantro for garnish - Lime juice for brightness - Peanuts for crunch These optional ingredients can enhance your dish. Adding chili flakes gives it a kick. Fresh herbs add a burst of color and flavor. Lime juice brightens up the taste. Peanuts add a nice crunch and extra richness. - Cauliflower: Try broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a twist. - Soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option. - Maple syrup: Honey or agave syrup works well too. - Vegetable oil: Canola or peanut oil are good substitutes. Substitutions make the dish your own. Broccoli or Brussels sprouts work great if you want something different. Tamari is perfect for gluten-free needs. Honey or agave syrup can replace maple syrup easily. Canola or peanut oil can be used for frying, ensuring flavor stays intact. Start by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. This helps with even cooking. In a large bowl, add the florets with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Toss them well until they are fully coated. The cornstarch will give them a crunchy texture when fried. Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Add the cauliflower florets in small batches. Fry them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels. This helps to soak up extra oil. In a small saucepan, mix together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil over low heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the mix. Stir gently and let it warm for 2 to 3 minutes. The smell will be amazing! Once the sauce is ready, return the crispy cauliflower to the pan. Pour the warm sauce over the cauliflower. Use a spatula to toss everything until the florets are coated in that sticky goodness. While the cauliflower is warm, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. Toss gently to help them stick. Then, transfer the cauliflower to a nice serving dish. For a fresh touch, add chopped green onions on top. This not only looks great but adds a burst of flavor too. Serve it hot and enjoy this tasty dish! To get that perfect crispy texture, start with dry cauliflower florets. Pat them down with a paper towel before coating. Use cornstarch for the coating. It helps the cauliflower crisp up nicely when fried. Fry in small batches to avoid steaming. Hot oil makes a big difference too. Keep the oil around 350°F, and don't rush it. Fry until golden brown and crispy. For a great wine to pair, I suggest a dry Riesling. Its sweet notes balance the saltiness of the dish. A Sauvignon Blanc also works well, with its crisp acidity. If you prefer red, try a light Pinot Noir. These wines enhance the flavors without overpowering them. One common mistake is overcrowding the pan. This leads to soggy cauliflower instead of crispy bites. Another mistake is not heating the oil enough. If the oil isn’t hot, the cauliflower will absorb too much oil. Lastly, don’t skip the cornstarch coating. It’s key for that tasty crunch you want. {{image_4}} To make a spicy version, I add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This adds a nice kick, making the dish more exciting. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños while frying the cauliflower for added heat. For a gluten-free option, simply swap soy sauce with tamari. Tamari gives you that rich umami flavor without gluten. Ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish without worry. You can make this dish more filling by adding vegetables or proteins. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work great. Just stir-fry them with the cauliflower for extra color and crunch. For protein, try adding tofu or tempeh. Coat them in cornstarch and fry until golden. Then mix them into the sticky sauce for a complete meal. To store leftovers, let the sticky sesame cauliflower cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the lid is sealed well to maintain freshness. This dish tastes best when fresh, but you can still enjoy it later! For reheating, I recommend using an oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This helps it stay crispy. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it may make the cauliflower soggy. You can freeze sticky sesame cauliflower for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best texture. Yes, you can bake Sticky Sesame Cauliflower. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cornstarch-coated cauliflower with a little vegetable oil. Spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking. This method gives you a lighter, crispy texture. Serve Sticky Sesame Cauliflower with steamed rice or quinoa. A side of sautéed greens, like bok choy or spinach, adds color and nutrients. You can also pair it with a fresh salad for a nice crunch. This dish works great as a main or side. Sticky Sesame Cauliflower lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving for best taste. The sauce may soften the cauliflower, but it remains tasty. Yes, feel free to use other vegetables. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even bell peppers work great. Cut them into similar sizes as the cauliflower. Adjust cooking times as needed for different veggies to ensure they cook evenly. Yes, Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is vegan-friendly. All the ingredients, like soy sauce and maple syrup, are plant-based. This dish is a great option for vegans or anyone looking to enjoy a meat-free meal. This blog post guides you through making Sticky Sesame Cauliflower. You learned about key and optional ingredients, with ideas for substitutions. The step-by-step instructions cover preparing, cooking, and coating the cauliflower, plus tips for a crispy finish. You explored tasty variations and found storage tips for leftovers. Mind the FAQs for quick answers about cooking methods, side dishes, and storage. Try this recipe at home. Enjoy delicious, easy meals that impress your friends.

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Discover the ultimate sticky sesame cauliflower delight recipe that will wow your taste buds! This easy-to-follow guide will teach you how to achieve crispy, golden cauliflower tossed in a luscious sesame sauce, combining sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for a plant-based meal or a mouthwatering side dish, this recipe is quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Click to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white or black for contrast)

2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cauliflower: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with a generous pinch of salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Toss the florets until they are thoroughly coated with cornstarch, which will create a crispy texture when fried.

    Heat the Oil: In a large non-stick pan or a wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the cauliflower florets in small batches, avoiding overcrowding for even frying. Fry for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the florets are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

      Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan set over low heat, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir gently and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the sauce is warmed through and the aromas combine beautifully.

        Coat the Cauliflower: Once the sauce is ready, return the crispy cauliflower to the pan and pour the warm sticky sauce over it. Using a spatula, toss the cauliflower gently until every floret is evenly coated in that delicious, glossy sauce.

          Finish with Seeds: While the cauliflower is still warm, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top. Give everything another gentle toss to ensure the seeds cling to the sauced florets nicely.

            Garnish and Serve: Carefully transfer your sticky sesame cauliflower to a stylish serving dish. Top with finely chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both presentation and flavor.

              Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish on a large platter, accentuating it with a few extra sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for an elegant touch. Consider pairing it with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal!