Instructions
1. Prepare and Roast the Cauliflower
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, water, and salt to create a batter. Stir until smooth.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly coated, and place them on the baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or drizzle the florets with olive oil and roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
2. Make the Orange Glaze
- While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey (or agave), rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld for 5–7 minutes.
- Slowly add the cornstarch-water mixture, stirring continuously to thicken the glaze. Remove from heat once it reaches a syrupy consistency.
3. Coat the Cauliflower
- Once the cauliflower is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven. Transfer the florets to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the orange glaze over the cauliflower, gently tossing until each floret is evenly coated in the glossy sauce.
4. Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the glazed cauliflower to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a bit of extra orange zest for a vibrant finish.
- Serve hot as an appetizer, side dish, or over rice for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Batter: The flour and cornstarch batter creates a light, crispy layer on the cauliflower that helps the glaze adhere perfectly.
- Adjust Sweetness and Spice: Add more or less honey and red pepper flakes based on your taste. For a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
- Serve Fresh: Glazed Orange Cauliflower is best enjoyed fresh and hot. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven to revive the crispy texture.
Why This Dish is a Must-Try
Glazed Orange Cauliflower brings all the excitement of a classic takeout dish to your kitchen in a plant-based, nutrient-packed way. The tender cauliflower, paired with the sticky, flavorful orange glaze, provides a fantastic balance of textures and tastes. It’s a beautiful dish to serve, perfect for gatherings, and can be a go-to for meal-prep or weeknight dinners alike.
With each bite, you’ll get the zesty freshness of orange, a hint of spice, and the satisfying crunch of cauliflower, making this a new favorite recipe that’s healthy, easy, and absolutely delicious!
