Sticky Sesame Cauliflower 

This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a addictive vegan dish featuring crispy battered cauliflower florets coated in a glossy, sweet‑tangy sesame sauce. The cauliflower is baked until golden, then tossed (or brushed) in a sticky sauce made with sesame oil, garlic, ginger, tamari (or soy sauce), vinegar, and maple syrup. With just the right heat from sriracha and a savory umami profile, it satisfies take‑out cravings in a healthier, plant‑based version. Serve over rice or in lettuce cups, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions. It’s a crowd‑pleaser that’s both flavorful and easy to make. 

Ingredients

Cauliflower and Batter

• 1 small head cauliflower, cut into similar‑sized florets (~4 cups)
  
  

• ½ cup rice flour
  
  

• 3 tbsp tapioca or corn starch
  
  

• ½ tsp garlic powder
  
  

• Dash of salt and black pepper (a pinch of cayenne optional)
  
  

• ½ cup water
  
  

• 2 tsp sesame oil
  
  

Sticky Sesame Sauce

• 2 tsp sesame oil
  
  

• 2 tsp fresh grated ginger
  
  

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
  

• ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
  
  

• ⅓ cup maple syrup
  
  

• 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
  
  

• 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
  
  

• 2 tsp cornstarch (or 1.5 tsp tapioca starch)
  
  

• ¼ cup cold water (for slurry)
  
  

Garnish

• Toasted sesame seeds (white or black)
  
  

• Chopped scallions
  
  

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425–450 °F (220–230 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
   
   

2. Mix rice flour, starch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and water plus sesame oil into a smooth batter.
   
   

3. Toss cauliflower florets in the batter to coat evenly.
   
   

4. Spread florets in a single layer on the baking sheet—don’t overcrowd. Bake for ~30 minutes until crisp and golden.
   
   

5. While baking, prepare the sauce: heat sesame oil in a skillet, sauté garlic & ginger ~1 minute. Add soy, vinegar, maple syrup and bring to boil. Add cornstarch slurry; stir until thickened. Remove from heat.
   
   

6. Either gently brush or toss baked cauliflower in the sauce, then return to the oven a few minutes to let the sauce set and get sticky.
   
   

7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve immediately over rice or in lettuce cups.
   
   

Nutrients (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: ~338 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 53 g
  
  

• Protein: 12 g
  
  

• Fat: 10 g
  
  

• Fiber: 7 g
  
  

• Sugar: 12 g
  
  

• Sodium: ~1340 mg
  
  

• Vitamin C: ~76 mg
  
  

• Calcium: ~363 mg
  
  

• Iron: ~5 mg