Sticky Sesame Cauliflower – Crispy, Flavorful & Addictive!

This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying plant-based dish that’s coated in a sweet and savory sesame glaze. It’s a perfect alternative to sesame chicken, delivering crunchy texture and bold Asian-inspired flavors while remaining completely vegetarian.

Ideal as a main dish, side, or appetizer, this dish is easy to make, healthier than takeout, and absolutely addictive!

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Ingredients for Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

For the Crispy Cauliflower:

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120ml) water
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs

the Sticky Sesame Sauce:

• ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnishing:

• Sliced green onions
• Extra sesame seeds

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small saucepan

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crispy Cauliflower

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make a smooth batter.
3. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off excess.
4. Coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Arrange coated florets on the prepared baking sheet.

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2. Bake the Cauliflower

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

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3. Make the Sticky Sesame Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
3. Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook until thickened (about 2 minutes).
4. Add sesame seeds and red pepper flakes, then remove from heat.

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4. Coat the Cauliflower

1. Toss baked cauliflower in the sticky sesame sauce, ensuring even coating.

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5. Serve & Enjoy!

1. Garnish with sliced green onions and extra sesame seeds.
2. Serve immediately over steamed rice or quinoa!

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Expert Tips for the Best Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Use panko breadcrumbs – They create extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Bake instead of frying – Keeps it light while still crispy.
Toss just before serving – Helps maintain crispiness.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the batter step – It helps the breadcrumbs stick.
Overcrowding the pan – Ensures even baking.
Adding sauce too soon – Sauce can make cauliflower soggy if added too early.

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Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa.
• Pair with a side of sautéed bok choy or roasted broccoli.
• Sprinkle with crushed peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.

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How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to re-crisp.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Not recommended, as it softens the cauliflower.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Make it spicy – Add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
• Use gluten-free flour & tamari – For a gluten-free version.
• Try air-frying – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.

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What to Serve with Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

• Steamed dumplings or spring rolls
• A side of miso soup
• Cucumber salad with sesame dressing

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I fry the cauliflower instead of baking?

Yes! Deep fry in 350°F (175°C) oil for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

How do I make this dish vegan?

Simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat before using.

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Conclusion

This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a crispy, flavorful, and healthier take on takeout-style sesame chicken! With its crunchy texture, sweet-savory sauce, and sesame goodness, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious plant-based recipes!

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Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 320 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings).

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Serves: 4

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