If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful, and totally satisfying plant-based snack or meal, this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe is here to steal your heart. Each tender cauliflower floret is coated in a perfectly crispy batter, then drenched in a luscious, sticky sesame sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes flawlessly. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or simply a lover of bold flavors, this dish transforms humble cauliflower into a crave-worthy delight that’s sure to impress at any dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Every item plays a vital role — from the batter that crisps the cauliflower to the sauce brimming with umami and warmth, and the fresh aromatics that elevate the dish beautifully.
- All-purpose or gluten-free baking flour: Creates the crispy, light coating that holds the sauce perfectly.
- Baking powder: Adds airiness to the batter, ensuring maximum crunch.
- Nutritional yeast: Offers a subtle cheesy, savory depth without dairy.
- Garlic powder: Enhances flavor with a punch of mild garlic aroma.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors into perfect balance.
- Plant-based milk: Moistens the batter, making it smooth and easy to coat.
- Medium head cauliflower: The star of the dish, with just the right size florets for crispiness.
- Tomato paste: Adds rich umami and depth to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens with a gentle tang for balance.
- Tamari or soy sauce: Provides salty, savory backbone and color.
- Maple syrup: Sweetens naturally, complementing the spicy heat.
- Sriracha: Packs a gentle kick, bringing warmth without overpowering.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfect sticky consistency.
- Water: Helps create the cornstarch slurry for smooth sauce texture.
- Sesame oil: Infuses the dish with toasty, nutty flavor.
- Large onion: Provides savory sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds a punch of aroma and zest.
- Freshly grated ginger: Lends a subtle heat and fragrance that brightens the sauce.
- Sesame seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and enhances the sesame flavor.
How to Make Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Crisp the Cauliflower
Start by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (400 Fahrenheit) and lining a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This sets the stage for perfectly crispy cauliflower that won’t glue itself to the pan.
Step 2: Whisk the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose or gluten-free flour, baking powder, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and plant-based milk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. This batter is what gives the cauliflower its irresistibly light, crunchy coating.
Step 3: Prepare the Cauliflower Florets
Trim the medium cauliflower head and chop it into bite-sized florets, roughly 6 cups in volume. The uniform size helps them cook evenly and crisp up beautifully.
Step 4: Coat and Bake
Dip each cauliflower floret in the batter, ensuring it’s fully covered, then place them spaced out on the parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for about 25 minutes. This baking method delivers that satisfying crunch without frying, making the dish healthier yet just as indulgent.
Step 5: Mix the Sticky Sauce
While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the tomato paste, rice vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, and sriracha to create a vibrant sauce. Then prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and water, which will thicken the sauce perfectly.
Step 6: Sauté Aromatics and Thicken Sauce
In a pan, heat the sesame oil and sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger until soft and fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture followed by the cornstarch slurry, cooking gently until the sauce thickens into that signature sticky, glossy coating.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
Toss the baked cauliflower florets in the sticky sesame sauce until each piece is lovingly coated. Finish by sprinkling with a generous handful of sesame seeds, adding extra texture and toasty flavor right before serving.
How to Serve Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes amplifies the dish’s appeal. Try a sprinkling of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and herbal brightness. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can provide a contrasting zesty lift that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed brown rice, which soaks up every bit of that sumptuous sauce. For a lighter meal, a crisp side salad with tangy vinaigrette complements the richness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Serve the cauliflower in lettuce cups for a handheld appetizer experience. Alternatively, pile it atop a bowl of noodles or grains and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and chili flakes for an elevated and colorful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it delicious when enjoyed as a quick snack or lunch.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the baked, un-sauced cauliflower florets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze the sauce separately in a small airtight container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat frozen florets in a hot oven at 200 degrees Celsius (400 Fahrenheit) until crisp again, then warm the sauce gently on the stovetop. Toss them together right before serving for fresh, sticky goodness.
FAQs
Is this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free baking flour and tamari sauce. This swap keeps all the flavor intact while making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I use fresh cauliflower rice instead of florets?
This recipe works best with florets for the textural contrast of crispy edges outside and tender inside. Cauliflower rice won’t hold the batter the same way and might get soggy quickly.
How spicy is the recipe?
The sriracha adds a mild to moderate heat, but you can adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance. It’s designed to bring a gentle warmth without overwhelming anyone’s palate.
Can I air fry the cauliflower instead of baking?
Absolutely! Air frying at around 190 degrees Celsius (375 Fahrenheit) for 15–20 minutes will crisp the cauliflower nicely and reduce cooking time. Just keep an eye so it doesn’t burn.
Is nutritional yeast necessary?
Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy umami flavor that gives this vegan recipe extra depth. You can omit it if you don’t have it, but adding it really takes the dish to the next level.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe enough if you’re looking for a dish that’s flavorful, addictive, and totally vegan-friendly. Crispy, sticky, and packed with savory, sweet, and spicy layers, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab your cauliflower and get ready to wow yourself and your loved ones with this gorgeous creation. Happy cooking!
Print
Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower recipe is a delicious vegan dish featuring crispy baked cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful sticky sesame sauce. Perfect as a satisfying appetizer or main course, it combines a crispy batter with a tangy, sweet, and spicy glaze, garnished with crunchy sesame seeds for the ultimate bite.
Ingredients
Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free baking flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup plant-based milk such as almond milk
Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, around 6 cups florets
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup water
For Sautéing:
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ginger, freshly grated
Garnish:
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking tray: Preheat your oven to 180°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose or gluten-free flour, baking powder, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and plant-based milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Prepare the cauliflower: Trim the cauliflower and cut into medium-sized florets, approximately 6 cups, ready to be coated in the batter.
- Bake the battered cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is thoroughly coated, then place them onto the prepared baking tray. Bake for 25 minutes until the batter turns crispy and golden.
- Prepare the sauce and slurry: While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together tomato paste, rice vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, and Sriracha in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
- Sauté aromatics and thicken sauce: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Pour in the sauce mixture, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
- Toss cauliflower in sauce and finish: Remove the crispy baked cauliflower from the oven and toss it gently in the thickened sticky sesame sauce to fully coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added crunch and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free baking flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust the Sriracha quantity for desired spice level or substitute with another hot sauce.
- You can double the sauce ingredients if you prefer a saucier dish.
- To save time, prepare the sauce ahead and reheat gently before tossing with cauliflower.
- This recipe works well as a party appetizer or a vegan main paired with rice or noodles.
