HomeDinnerEasy Orange Cauliflower Recipe

Easy Orange Cauliflower Recipe

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Easy Orange Cauliflower Recipe

Orange cauliflower is a perfect fusion of sweet and savory flavors, with a rich sauce that coats each bite in citrusy goodness. This easy-to-make recipe can serve as a healthy main dish, a delightful side, or even a fun appetizer. The crispy, battered cauliflower paired with a tangy-sweet orange sauce is reminiscent of orange chicken, but without the meat, making it both delicious and plant-based. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for something lighter, this recipe is sure to impress.

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Equipment:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Frying pan or wok (for frying cauliflower)
  • Small bowl (for the cornstarch slurry)
  • Whisk
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Paper towels (for draining)
  • Baking sheet (if baking instead of frying)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by washing and cutting your cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You want them to be about 1 to 2 inches in size, so they’re easy to bite into and cook evenly. After cutting, you can set the florets aside on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.

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2. Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. These dry ingredients create the flavorful base for your batter.

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Add the water little by little, whisking constantly to make a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower florets without dripping off too easily but still be pourable. If needed, add a little more water until you achieve the desired consistency.

3. Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess batter and place the cauliflower on a plate or tray. You may need to work in batches if you’re preparing a large amount.

4. Fry the Cauliflower

In a frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to lightly cover the bottom of the pan so that the cauliflower can fry evenly.

Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully place the cauliflower florets in the pan. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy cauliflower.

Fry the cauliflower for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs or a slotted spoon, until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the cauliflower to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. You can also place the fried florets on a baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven (set to 200°F/95°C) while you finish the rest.

5. Make the Orange Sauce

While the cauliflower is frying, start preparing the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), hoisin sauce (if using), grated ginger, and minced garlic.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Once the sauce has started to thicken slightly, mix the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.

If you want to add a little extra heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spice level according to your preferences. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can always add a splash of water or orange juice to thin it out.

6. Toss the Cauliflower in the Sauce

Once both the cauliflower and the sauce are ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Carefully toss the crispy cauliflower florets in the orange sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated. You can use a large mixing bowl or simply do this in the saucepan.

If you’re worried about the cauliflower losing its crispiness, you can serve the sauce on the side and let each person dip their cauliflower as they eat. However, if you’re ready to dig in, tossing the cauliflower in the sauce adds that perfect sticky and flavorful finish.

7. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the orange cauliflower to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and extra orange zest for a fresh, colorful touch.

Serve immediately while hot, as the crispy texture is best enjoyed right out of the pan. Pair it with a side of rice, quinoa, or even some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Orange Cauliflower

  1. For Extra Crispiness: If you want your cauliflower extra crispy, consider double-battering the florets. First, dip them in the batter, then coat them lightly in cornstarch before frying. This extra layer will create a crunchier texture.
  2. Baking Option: If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can bake the cauliflower instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the battered cauliflower in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can lightly spray the cauliflower with oil to help it crisp up in the oven.
  3. Adjust the Heat: The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, but they add a great touch of heat that complements the sweet orange sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
  4. Make the Sauce in Advance: If you’re preparing the dish ahead of time, you can make the orange sauce the day before. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
  5. Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be easily made vegan by substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Be sure to check that the hoisin sauce is vegan-friendly as well.

Serving Suggestions

  • Rice: Serve the orange cauliflower over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to create a balanced, satisfying meal. You can also use quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.
  • Noodles: For something a little different, serve the orange cauliflower over noodles, such as rice noodles or soba. The sauce will pair wonderfully with the noodles.
  • Vegetables: Pair this dish with sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to round out your meal.
  • As an Appetizer: Orange cauliflower is a great finger food for parties and gatherings. Serve it with toothpicks or skewers for easy snacking.

Conclusion

This Easy Orange Cauliflower recipe is a fantastic dish that combines sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors in a way that’s sure to satisfy anyone’s taste buds. It’s a great option for plant-based eaters but also appeals to anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried foods.

By following the simple steps outlined here, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special event, this recipe will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.

Yield: 4

Easy Orange Cauliflower Recipe

Easy Orange Cauliflower Recipe

Orange cauliflower is a perfect fusion of sweet and savory flavors, with a rich sauce that coats each bite in citrusy goodness. This easy-to-make recipe can serve as a healthy main dish, a delightful side, or even a fun appetizer. The crispy, battered cauliflower paired with a tangy-sweet orange sauce is reminiscent of orange chicken, but without the meat, making it both delicious and plant-based. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for something lighter, this recipe is sure to impress.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
  • 1 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden and crispy on the edges.
  3. Make the orange sauce: While the cauliflower is roasting, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  4. Thicken the sauce (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
  5. Coat the cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the orange sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat.
  6. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately as a side dish or a main course with rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Customization: If you like your sauce spicier, you can add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes when simmering the sauce.
  • Cauliflower Texture: Roasting the cauliflower helps achieve a nice crispy texture. If you're short on time, you can also sauté the cauliflower in a pan for a quicker version, but roasting yields the best results.
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