Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (2024)

April 24, 2019 By Melissa Huggins / 107 Comments

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Skip the takeout and make a lighter version at home. This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is battered and baked to perfection, then smothered in a spicy, sticky-sweet sauce. It's heavenly!

Cauliflower has been trending for a couple of years now and I don't see it slowing down anytime soon. It's one of the most versatile vegetables and many people use it as a healthier replacement for pizza crust, rice, mashed potatoes, meat, creamy sauces and so much more.

The internet is bursting with delicious cauliflower recipes and my Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Casseroleand Vegan Alfredo Sauce are just a few of what's out there. Anything is possible!

So, if you've always been a fan of sesame chicken takeout, you're going to love this recipe. It's much lighter, but all the flavors are still there. It's baked instead of fried, and I used a minimal amount of high-sodium ingredients.

You won't be missing a thing!

Table of Contents

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this flavor-packed meal:

How to make Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

This is fairly easy to put together, just toss the florets into the batter and bake until crisp, then make the sticky sauce and toss it all together. Here's a step-by-step visual:

Whisk all of the dry ingredients until combined.
Now pour in the milk and water and whisk until combined.
Place a handful of cauliflower in the bowl and toss to coat. Lightly shake the excess batter off each piece and place it on a baking sheet. Bake at 425° F for 20 minutes and flip midway through.
In a large pan over medium heat, add the tamari, agave, vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, ginger, and garlic. Whisk and bring to a light simmer. Whisk the cornstarch and vegetable broth and pour into the pan. Simmer until it thickens up and becomes sticky. Add cauliflower and toss to coat. Top with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips and Tricks

This sesame cauliflower recipe is sure to be a success. Here are some helpful tips:

Once the cauliflower comes out of the oven, the rest goes pretty fast so make sure your sauce is ready.
Try to cut the cauliflower into similar-sized floretsso they cook evenly.
The sauce is just enough to coat everything well, but if you want it extra saucy, you can double the amounts.
Measure your flour correctly by weighing it (125 g) or by using this spoon and level method: don't scoop it with a measuring cup directly from the flour container. Instead, scoop it out of the container with a spoon and then into a measuring cup, being careful not to tap or pack the cup. After filling, lightly sweep a butter knife across the top to remove the excess flour.

Sesame Cauliflower Serving Suggestions

Anything goes! I typically serve it over rice, but you can serve it over quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice.You can eat it as is, or top it with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onion, cilantro, or anything your taste buds crave. It's a perfect meal for lunch or dinner.

Can I make it gluten-free?

YES! Just swap out the all-purpose for a 1.1 gluten-free flour. Make sure to use a gluten-free tamari sauce too.

How can I make it soy-free?

Just swap out the tamari for Coconut Aminos. It's just as savory and delicious!

Can I make it oil-free?

Yes, you can omit the sesame oil in the sauce. Just add 1-2 teaspoons of toasted sesame seeds to the sauce. Make sure the vegetable broth is oil-free too.

More takeout-inspired meals

Vegan Pad Thai
Pineapple Fried Rice
Tofu VeggieStir-Fry

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a star⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and sharing your feedback in the comment section below. It would make my day!

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