Vegan Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Yield

Serves 4

PART 1: Crispy Cauliflower

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower (cut into bite-size florets)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup unsweetened plant milk

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾–1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

• Oil spray (if baking or air frying)

Step 1: Prepare Cauliflower

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, plant milk, soy sauce, and spices until smooth. Batter should resemble pancake batter.

3. Dip each floret into batter, letting excess drip off.

4. Roll in panko for extra crispiness.

5. Place on baking sheet with space between pieces.

Step 2: Bake

1. Lightly spray tops with oil.

2. Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Cauliflower should be golden and crisp.

For extra crispy texture, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.

PART 2: Sticky Sesame Sauce

Ingredients

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup maple syrup (or brown sugar)

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

• 1–2 tbsp water (if needed to thin)

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

3. Stir in cornstarch slurry.

4. Cook 1–3 minutes until thick and glossy.

5. Remove from heat.

Sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Toss & Finish

1. Place baked cauliflower in a large bowl.

2. Pour warm sauce over and gently toss to coat.

3. Sprinkle with:

   • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

   • 2 tbsp sliced green onions

Serve immediately for best crisp texture.

Serving Ideas

• Over steamed jasmine rice

• With stir-fried vegetables

• Inside lettuce wraps

• As a party appetizer

Flavor Variations

Spicy Version

Add 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili flakes to sauce.

Orange Sesame

Add 1 tbsp orange zest + 2 tbsp orange juice.

Garlic Lover’s Version

Double the garlic in the sauce.

Air Fryer Method

Air fry battered florets at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.