If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s entirely plant-based and downright addictive, this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine crispy cauliflower florets coated in a luscious, sticky sauce packed with savory tamari, a hint of heat from sriracha, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup. It’s super simple to make yet offers an explosion of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply someone who loves delicious food, this recipe is a must-try in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe shine. Each item is carefully chosen to build layers of taste and texture, from the crispy batter to the sticky sauce and crunchy sesame seed garnish.
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking flour): Forms the crispy batter that holds the cauliflower together with a perfect crunch.
- Baking powder: Gives the batter a light, airy texture so your cauliflower is perfectly crispy inside and out.
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a subtle cheesy, nutty depth that complements the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the batter with an instant burst of savory goodness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness in the sauce.
- Plant based milk (such as almond milk): Binds the batter into a smooth coating without overpowering the taste.
- Cauliflower (medium head): The star of the show, cut into florets ready to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Tomato paste: Adds a rich base and depth to the sticky sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
- Tamari or soy sauce: Offers a salty umami punch that ties the sauce together.
- Maple syrup: Sweetens the sauce naturally, balancing the heat.
- Sriracha: Adds just the right kick of heat to keep the flavor lively and exciting.
- Cornstarch: Creates a smooth, thick consistency for the sauce to cling to the cauliflower.
- Water: Used to make the cornstarch slurry for perfect sauce thickness.
- Sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a warm, toasty aroma and flavor.
- Large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a bit of texture to the sauce.
- Garlic, minced: Intensifies the savory complexity in the sauté.
- Freshly grated ginger: Lifts the flavor profile with a gentle zing and freshness.
- Sesame seeds: For garnish, adding crunch and that signature sesame flavor.
How to Make Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (400°F) and lining a baking tray with parchment paper. This step ensures the cauliflower crisps up beautifully without sticking, setting the foundation for that irresistibly crunchy texture.
Step 2: Whisk the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt. Add in your plant-based milk and whisk everything until you get a smooth, lump-free batter. This batter is the magic coat that turns your tender cauliflower into crispy bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cauliflower
Trim and chop your cauliflower into bite-sized florets, roughly 6 cups. Making sure the pieces are similar in size helps them cook evenly and get that perfect crispy exterior everyone loves.
Step 4: Coat and Bake the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Lay them out on your prepared baking tray and pop them into the oven for 25 minutes. This baking step crisps the florets beautifully, creating a satisfying texture that serves as the perfect canvas for the sticky sauce.
Step 5: Mix the Sticky Sauce
While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the tomato paste, rice vinegar, tamari, maple syrup, and sriracha in a bowl. In a small separate cup, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth. This step is crucial for that thick, glossy sauce that clings to each floret gorgeously.
Step 6: Sauté the Aromatics and Thicken the Sauce
In a pan, heat the sesame oil and sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger until fragrant and translucent. Pour in your sauce mixture, then add the cornstarch slurry. Cook on medium heat, stirring consistently until the sauce thickens up to that perfect sticky consistency that coats everything beautifully.
Step 7: Toss and Finish
Once the cauliflower is out of the oven, transfer it to the pan with your sticky sesame sauce. Toss gently to coat each crispy floret evenly. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds, which provide that essential nutty crunch and eye-catching finish.
How to Serve Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of additional toasted sesame seeds on top not only adds texture but intensifies the sesame flavor. For a fresh pop, finely sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro make excellent vibrant garnishes that elevate the final dish.
Side Dishes
This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even a crunchy Asian slaw to complement the richness. If you want to keep things light, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cauliflower over a bed of noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil and soy sauce, creating an easy noodle bowl. Alternatively, stuff the sticky florets into soft steamed bao buns with pickled vegetables for a playful bite-sized party appetizer that’s bound to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or a quick snack to enjoy later with minimal effort.
Freezing
To freeze, spread the battered and baked cauliflower on a tray, flash freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to enjoy the cauliflower again, just reheat the sauce fresh and toss with the thawed cauliflower for best results. Freezing the florets after saucing is not recommended as the texture may get soggy.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius (350°F) to revive the crisp texture. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking or burning.
FAQs
Can I use another vegetable instead of cauliflower?
Absolutely! Broccoli florets or even cauliflower’s cousin, Romanesco, work well with this recipe. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on vegetable density.
Is this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking flour and choose tamari labeled gluten-free instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
How spicy is the sauce and can I adjust it?
The heat level mainly comes from sriracha and it’s quite balanced with the sweetness. You can always reduce or omit the sriracha if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I make this recipe oil-free?
For a completely oil-free version, omit the sesame oil and sauté the aromatics with a splash of water or vegetable broth. The dish will still be delicious but with a lighter mouthfeel.
What’s the best plant-based milk to use for the batter?
Unsweetened almond milk is a great choice as it’s neutral in flavor and light, but oat, soy, or cashew milk all work wonderfully too depending on what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe—it’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Every bite brings together crispy textures, sticky sweetness, and savory notes in such a satisfying way that you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Vegan Recipe) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Vegan Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-Based
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Sticky Sesame Cauliflower recipe features crispy baked cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful sticky sesame sauce made from tamari, maple syrup, and warming spices. It’s a perfect plant-based appetizer or main dish that’s easy to prepare and delightfully addictive.
Ingredients
Batter and Cauliflower
- 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)
- 1 medium head cauliflower (around 6 cups), chopped into florets
Sauce and Toppings
- 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
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to ensure the cauliflower doesn’t stick while baking.
- Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and plant-based milk until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Prep Cauliflower: Trim and chop the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets ready for dipping.
- Bake Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret in the batter coating it thoroughly, then place them on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 25 minutes or until the florets turn crispy and golden.
- Mix Sauce & Slurry: While baking, whisk together tomato paste, rice vinegar, tamari, maple syrup, and Sriracha in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth.
- Sauté Aromatics & Thicken Sauce: Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat, sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger until fragrant and softened. Add the prepared sauce and cornstarch slurry to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a sticky glaze.
- Toss & Serve: Once the cauliflower is baked and crispy, toss it gently in the sticky sesame sauce to coat each piece. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free baking flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- You can adjust the Sriracha quantity for more or less heat according to your taste.
- Serve with steamed rice or as a flavorful appetizer with dipping sauce.
- Ensure the cauliflower is crispy by not overcrowding the baking tray.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but are best eaten fresh.
