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Crispy Cauliflower in Orange Sauce (Vegan)

Crispy, tangy, and full of bold Asian flair.

20 Min.

Preparation

1. Prepare the cauliflower:
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry to help the batter stick better.

2. Make the batter:
In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Gradually whisk in sparkling water or plant-based milk until you get a smooth, thick batter.

3. Coat and bake or fry the cauliflower:
Dip each floret into the batter, coating evenly.
• To bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 220 °C (430 °F) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
• To fry: Heat oil to 170–180 °C (340–355 °F) and fry the florets in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

4. Prepare the orange sauce:
In a small saucepan, heat orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes. Mix cornstarch with water, stir into the sauce, and cook until thick and glossy.

5. Toss cauliflower in sauce:
Gently coat the crispy florets with the hot orange sauce or drizzle over before serving.

6. Serve:
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while hot.
Great with basmati or jasmine rice, stir-fried noodles, or a crisp Asian salad.

 

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 330 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbs: 50 g
Protein: 6 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 16 g
Sodium: 900 mg

 

Ingredients:

(serves 2–3)

For the cauliflower:

  • 1 small head of cauliflower
  • 100 g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour
  • 30 g (2 tbsp) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 180–200 ml (¾–1 cup) sparkling water or plant-based milk
  • Oil for baking or frying

For the orange sauce:

  • 200 ml (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) orange juice
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave syrup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water

For garnish (optional):

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro

Suggested sides:

  • Basmati or jasmine rice
  • Stir-fried rice noodles or mie noodles
  • Fresh cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame

Craving something crispy with an exotic twist? This cauliflower in sweet and spicy orange sauce is exactly what you need! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – whether baked or fried – these golden florets are coated in a glossy, fruity sauce made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of chili. Think of it as the perfect plant-based alternative to classic Orange Chicken – 100% vegan, incredibly flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether served with rice, noodles, or as finger food, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser! Asian-inspired, Vegan vegan cauliflower asian cauliflower with orange sauce vegan battered cauliflower oven vegan orange chicken vegan cauliflower recipe asian sweet spicy cauliflower vegan crispy cauliflower recipe vegan cauliflower with soy and ginger plant based asian dinner recipe vegan party food vegan street food recipe vegan cauliflower without egg vegan cauliflower with rice asian orange sauce recipe vegan oven baked cauliflower crispy vegan orange sauce asian vegan main dish

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