Crispy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower: A Weeknight Delight (Print Version)

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is a vegetarian dream! Crispy florets coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce. Quick, easy, and so satisfying.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan (with maple syrup)

# Ingredients:

→ The Cauliflower Base

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into florets
02 - 3 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ The Sticky Sesame Sauce

04 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
05 - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
06 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
09 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

→ Garnish & Finishing Touches

10 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
11 - 2 green onions, sliced

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, preheat your oven to a nice hot 400°F (200°C) or get your air fryer ready. Chop that cauliflower into florets, making sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Honestly, this is where my kitchen gets a little chaotic, with florets flying! In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with the olive oil, then sprinkle in the cornstarch. Mix it really well until every floret is lightly coated. This step is crucial for that crispy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower texture, trust me.
02 - Spread your cornstarch-coated cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet (lined with parchment for easy cleanup, my friend) or in your air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd the pan – that's a mistake I've made too many times, leading to steamed rather than crispy florets! Bake for 20-25 minutes, or air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re tender inside and beautifully golden and crispy outside. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing, a hint of the delicious Sticky Sesame Cauliflower to come.
03 - While the cauliflower is doing its thing, grab a small bowl and let's make that glorious sauce. Whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful concoction. I always take a little sniff at this point; the aroma of fresh ginger and garlic is just *chef's kiss*!
04 - Pour the sauce mixture into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon. If it feels too thin, you can whisk in a tiny bit more cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water). Once it's thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil. This aroma! Oh, it just screams Sticky Sesame Cauliflower.
05 - Once your cauliflower is perfectly crispy from the oven or air fryer, carefully transfer it back into that large bowl (or a clean one, if you're tidier than me). Pour the warm, thickened sticky sesame sauce all over the crispy florets. Gently toss everything together, making sure every single piece of cauliflower is coated in that glossy, irresistible sauce. It’s a beautiful transformation, watching it go from plain to perfectly sticky Sticky Sesame Cauliflower.
06 - Transfer your glorious Sticky Sesame Cauliflower to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve it up immediately, while it’s still warm and wonderfully crispy. This dish is best enjoyed right away, though leftovers are pretty great too, just a tad softer. The combination of textures and flavors is just so satisfying, honestly.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the pan when roasting the cauliflower; airflow is key for crispiness.
02 - For best texture, reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer, not the microwave.
03 - Add the toasted sesame oil *after* removing the sauce from heat for the best aroma and flavor.
04 - Serve this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower over fluffy rice to soak up all that extra sticky sauce!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - baking sheet (or air fryer)
03 - parchment paper
04 - small saucepan
05 - whisk

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Protein: 8g

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