Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower Recipe

Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower is a plant-based, gluten-free, and healthier take on the classic orange chicken, offering a crisp, golden coating paired with a zesty, citrusy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The cauliflower florets are coated in a seasoned batter, baked until they achieve the perfect crispiness, and then tossed in a vibrant orange sauce made with fresh orange juice, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup or honey.

Equipment:

• Baking sheet (with parchment paper for easy cleanup)
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Saucepan (for making the orange sauce)
• Spoon or spatula (for tossing cauliflower)
• Zester or grater (for orange zest)
• Knife and cutting board (for chopping cauliflower)
• Small bowl (for mixing cornstarch and water for the sauce)
• Cooling rack (optional, for extra crispiness)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

The first step in this recipe is to get your cauliflower ready for baking.

1. Cut the Cauliflower:
   Start by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Try to keep them uniform in size to ensure even cooking. You can use the entire cauliflower head, but make sure to discard the tough stem.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the cauliflower become crispy in the oven. You’ll also want to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
3. Prepare the Cauliflower for Baking:
   Place the cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with a little olive oil and toss to coat evenly. This will help the batter stick to the cauliflower and give them a bit of crunch when baking.

Step 2: Make the Batter

To create the crispy texture for the cauliflower, you’ll need to prepare a light batter that coats the florets before baking.

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and baking powder. The cornstarch and baking powder are key ingredients that help the cauliflower achieve a crispy coating.
2. Add Water:
   Gradually add the cold water (or sparkling water) to the dry ingredients while whisking. The batter should be thick but smooth, similar to pancake batter. If the batter is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a little extra flour.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
   Add the cauliflower florets into the batter and toss them gently until they’re evenly coated. You can use your hands or a spatula to make sure each floret is well-covered with the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cauliflower

Now that your cauliflower is coated in batter, it’s time to bake it to perfection.

1. Arrange the Cauliflower on the Baking Sheet:
   Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the florets are not overcrowded to ensure they bake evenly and become crispy.
2. Bake the Cauliflower:
   Bake the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through. The cauliflower should be golden brown and crispy. If you have a cooling rack, place it on top of the baking sheet to allow air circulation, which helps the cauliflower crisp up even more.
3. Final Crispy Touch:
   If you want extra crispy cauliflower, broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking process. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Step 4: Prepare the Orange Sauce

While the cauliflower is baking, you can work on making the flavorful orange sauce that will coat the crispy florets.

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a small saucepan, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together to combine.
2. Simmer the Sauce:
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Thicken the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce into a glossy, sticky glaze.
4. Finish the Sauce:
   Let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more water. Once the sauce is done, remove it from heat and stir in the sesame oil for added flavor (optional).

Step 5: Toss the Cauliflower in the Orange Sauce

After the cauliflower is baked to perfection and the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Toss the Cauliflower in Sauce:
   Once the cauliflower has baked and is crispy, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the orange sauce over the cauliflower, tossing gently to coat each floret in the sticky, flavorful glaze.
2. Serve Immediately:
   After tossing, the cauliflower should be shiny and covered in a delicious orange glaze. Serve it immediately while it’s hot and crispy.

Optional Garnishes and Sides:

To elevate your Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower, consider adding the following garnishes or sides:

• Chopped Green Onions:
  Sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Sesame Seeds:
  Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and extra depth of flavor to the dish.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:
  If you like a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for an extra spicy kick.
• Fresh Cilantro:
  Fresh cilantro adds a refreshing herbaceous note that contrasts well with the sweet and tangy orange glaze.
• Steamed Rice or Noodles:
  Serve the crispy cauliflower over steamed rice, jasmine rice, or a bowl of noodles to make it a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

1. Use Cold Water or Sparkling Water for Crispiness:
   Cold water helps the batter become crispy, and sparkling water creates an even lighter, airier coating. If you’re after an extra crispy texture, sparkling water is a great choice.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Cauliflower:
   When baking, make sure the cauliflower florets are spaced out on the baking sheet. Overcrowding them will trap moisture, preventing them from becoming crispy.
3. Add a Touch of Sweetness:
   You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce based on your preference. Maple syrup gives it a subtle depth, but honey or agave syrup works just as well.
4. Customize the Sauce:
   Feel free to tweak the sauce by adding more orange zest for an extra citrusy punch, or a little chili paste or hot sauce for a spicy twist.
5. Make Extra Sauce:
   If you love the sauce, make extra! It’s great for dipping or drizzling over steamed vegetables, rice, or even grilled tofu.

Conclusion:

Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower is a delicious, healthier alternative to the traditional orange chicken, and it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, whether they follow a vegetarian or plant-based diet or simply want to try something new. The crispy cauliflower, combined with the sweet and tangy orange glaze, makes for an irresistible dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a show-stopping appetizer.

By baking the cauliflower instead of frying it, you reduce the amount of oil used while still achieving that crunchy, golden texture. Plus, the homemade orange sauce is bursting with fresh, bright flavors that will leave you craving more.

Yield: 4

Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower Recipe

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Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower is a plant-based, gluten-free, and healthier take on the classic orange chicken, offering a crisp, golden coating paired with a zesty, citrusy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The cauliflower florets are coated in a seasoned batter, baked until they achieve the perfect crispiness, and then tossed in a vibrant orange sauce made with fresh orange juice, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup or honey.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the cauliflower:
• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup water (or plant-based milk)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for tossing)
• For the orange sauce:
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (or maple syrup)
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
• Optional: Zest of 1 orange (for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, then set aside.
Make the batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water (or plant-based milk) and whisk until the batter is smooth.
Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating it evenly. Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not crowded (to help them crisp up).
Bake the cauliflower: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is crispy and golden.
Make the orange sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, heat the sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and orange zest (if using). Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Thicken the sauce: Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Toss and serve: Once the cauliflower is crispy and the sauce is ready, toss the cauliflower in the orange sauce until well coated. Serve immediately, garnished with extra orange zest or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For an extra crispy texture, you can give the cauliflower a light spray with cooking spray before baking.

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles, and you can garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for added flavor.

You can also add a touch of chili flakes to the sauce for some heat!