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Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

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This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a crispy, flavor-packed alternative to takeout—golden-baked florets are tossed in a sweet, savory, and just-spicy-enough sesame-soy glaze. With a light rice flour batter instead of frying, this dish delivers all the crunch you crave while keeping things lighter and vegetarian. Serve over jasmine rice or with noodles for a satisfyingly healthy weeknight meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Cauliflower
  • 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
For the Sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup light soy sauce ensure it's Halal certified
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider 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
For Thickening
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
For Garnish
  • sesame seeds
  • spring onions
  • sliced chillis

Equipment

  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Small bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Small saucepan
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice flour, 1 tbsp cornstarch, oil, garlic powder (if using), and water until you have a smooth, thick batter.
  3. Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until well coated, then arrange them in a single layer on the prepared tray.
  4. Bake the cauliflower for 20–25 minutes, until just tender but still crunchy. Avoid overcooking.
  5. While the cauliflower bakes, add sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sriracha, ginger, and garlic to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5–6 minutes. If using maple syrup instead of honey, add it now.
  6. In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1/4 cup water until smooth, then pour this mixture into the saucepan with the simmering sauce.
  7. Stir and cook the sauce for another 2–3 minutes, until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the honey (if using that, not maple syrup). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Once the cauliflower is ready, place it in a large bowl and pour the hot sauce over the florets. Gently toss to coat evenly.
  9. Transfer to a serving dish and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped spring onions, and sliced chillis. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal

Notes

For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey as a sweetener. For best results, toss the cauliflower with the sauce right before serving; otherwise, the coating may lose its crispiness if it sits too long. If preparing ahead, keep the baked cauliflower and the sauce separate until ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days and reheat in the oven for best texture—avoid microwaving to preserve the crunch. This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as certified gluten-free soy sauce is used. Pair with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

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