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Orange Cauliflower

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  • Author: Sarra
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked or Fried
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Orange Cauliflower is a delicious vegan twist on the classic Chinese Orange Chicken, featuring crispy baked or fried cauliflower florets tossed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup plant-based milk or water
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp oil (for baking or frying)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or sugar
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp water (to mix with cornstarch)
  • Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat oil for frying.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper with plant milk or water until smooth.
  3. Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, coating evenly. Shake off excess.
  4. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway. Alternatively, deep fry until golden.
  5. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, ginger, garlic, chili flakes, and sesame oil.
  6. Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then add to the sauce. Stir until it thickens.
  7. Toss the cooked cauliflower in the sauce until well coated.
  8. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free flour and tamari for a gluten-free version.
  • Adjust sweetness and spice level of the sauce to taste.
  • Best served immediately to maintain crispiness.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to crisp up again.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg