Crispy Cauliflower with Sweet and Savory Sesame Sauce Recipe
Crispy cauliflower florets coated in a light batter, cooked until golden either by baking or frying, then tossed in a flavorful, tangy-sweet sesame garlic sauce and garnished with sesame seeds. A delicious vegetarian appetizer or side dish that balances crisp texture with a vibrant sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (baking) or 10 minutes (frying and sauce preparation)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cauliflower:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup oil for frying (omit if baking)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: In a large shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip each cauliflower floret into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the flour mixture to ensure a crisp texture after cooking.
- Cook the Cauliflower: For baking, preheat the oven to 420°F (215°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the coated cauliflower on the tray, lightly spray or drizzle with oil, and bake for 30 minutes, turning the florets halfway through to ensure even crisping. For frying, heat 1 cup of oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Fry the florets in batches for 3–5 minutes until they turn golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium pan over medium-high heat, warm the sesame or vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger (if using), sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey (or sugar), vinegar, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a boil while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens smoothly.
- Combine & Serve: Place the cooked cauliflower in a large bowl and pour the hot prepared sauce over it. Toss well to coat every floret evenly. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can choose to bake or fry the cauliflower according to your preference for a healthier or crispier result.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute eggs with a mixture of water and flour or plant-based batter.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of honey or sugar.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- The sauce can be customized by adding chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Keywords: cauliflower recipe, crispy cauliflower, baked cauliflower, fried cauliflower, sesame garlic sauce, vegetarian appetizer
