Name: Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower (6-7 cups chopped); 2/3 cup rice flour (white or brown); 1/4 cup arrowroot starch; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 cup non-dairy milk; 2 tablespoons plain gluten-free breadcrumbs (can sub regular); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (olive, avocado, refined coconut, etc.); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated); ¼ cup honey or maple syrup; ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sriracha; 1/2 tablespoon arrowroot starch; 1 tablespoon cold water

why make this recipe

Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a fun, delicious dish that is perfect for everyone, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to try something new. This recipe features cauliflower, which absorbs the rich sauce and has a satisfying crunch when baked. Plus, it’s an easy way to add more vegetables to your diet without sacrificing flavor.

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how to make Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower (6-7 cups chopped)
2/3 cup rice flour (white or brown)
1/4 cup arrowroot starch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup non-dairy milk
2 tablespoon plain gluten-free breadcrumbs (can sub regular)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon neutral oil (olive, avocado, refined coconut, etc.)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
¼ cup honey or maple syrup*
⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sriracha
1/2 tablespoon arrowroot starch*
1 tablespoon cold water

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together the rice flour, arrowroot starch, garlic powder, and non-dairy milk. Mix until smooth with no lumps. If the batter is too thick, add a few more tablespoons of milk.
Add the chopped cauliflower florets to the bowl and mix until all the pieces are coated. You can also use a large plastic bag to shake and coat the cauliflower.
Transfer the coated cauliflower to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top and bake for 30 minutes.
In the last 5-10 minutes of baking, prepare the sauce. Mince the garlic and add it to a sauté pan with neutral oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Whisk in the sesame oil, grated ginger, honey or maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Simmer the sauce on low heat.
If using maple syrup, mix 1/2 tablespoon arrowroot starch with 1 tablespoon cold water in a small bowl and add it to the sauce to thicken. If using honey, the sauce will thicken naturally.
Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until thick. Remove from heat.
Once the cauliflower is done baking, let it cool for 5 minutes and then coat it with the sauce. If you want it extra crispy, return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes.
Top with chives and sesame seeds, then enjoy!

how to serve Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Serve this dish hot as a main or a side. It goes well with rice or salad. Feel free to garnish with extra sesame seeds or chopped herbs for added flavor.

how to store Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven or microwave until heated through. If they lose crispiness, a quick bake in the oven can help restore that crunch.

tips to make Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Make sure to coat all pieces of cauliflower well for maximum flavor.
Experiment with the sauce by adding more spices or adjusting the sweetness to your taste.
If you prefer a spicy kick, add more sriracha to the sauce.

variation

You can add other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots for more color and nutrients. For a gluten-free version, ensure that all your sauces are labeled gluten-free.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, frozen cauliflower can work in this recipe. Just thaw and drain any excess moisture before coating with the batter.

2. What can I use instead of arrowroot starch?
You can substitute arrowroot starch with cornstarch or tapioca starch in equal amounts.

3. Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of sriracha or add red pepper flakes to the sauce for more heat.