Sticky Orange Cauliflower

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❤️ Why you’ll love it

I love how simple and easy it is to make this orange cauliflower at home. It does not require any fancy equipment, making it a perfect recipe for anyone looking to cook delicious meals without any hassle.

The secret to the crispiest cauliflower is the 100% gluten-free coating. Combining white rice flour, chickpea flour, and corn starch gives the cauliflower a delicate, crunchy, irresistible texture.

The real star of this recipe, though, is the orange sauce. Thanks to the combination of orange juice, orange zest, and cane sugar, it is sticky, sweet, and perfectly citrusy. This dish is not only delicious but also a real crowd-pleaser.

🧾 Key ingredients

This orange cauliflower recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a classic Chinese takeout dish in a vegan version. The best part is that you can easily find all the ingredients you need at your local grocery store.

Chicken flour is used for the batter, which is a protein-packed alternative to traditional all-purpose flour. It gives the cauliflower a crispy, golden coating that is simply delicious.

Dairy-free milk helps to bind the batter ingredients together. I prefer using unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk for this recipe, but any plant-based milk will work well.

Orange juice and zest add a fresh, tangy flavor that pairs so well with the crispy cauliflower. They provide a perfect balance to the sauce’s sweetness.

Ginger and garlic are essential in Chinese cooking, and they add a depth of flavor to this dish. They are sauté in vegetable oil before adding the orange sauce, infusing the dish with their aromatic and pungency.

🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

🥘 Equipment

To make this delicious orange cauliflower recipe, the most crucial piece of equipment you will need is a good quality wok. Its wide and deep shape provides ample space for deep-frying the cauliflower florets, allowing them to cook evenly and achieve a perfect, crispy texture.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Cut the cauliflower into small florets, about 1-inch thick.

STEP 2
In a shallow bowl, make the wet batter by whisk dairy-free milk, chickpea flour, white rice flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The batter should have the consistency of a thick pancake batter.

STEP 3
In another shallow bowl, prepare the dry batter by mixing white rice flour, corn starch, salt, and black pepper.

STEP 4
Heat enough oil in a pot to cover the cauliflower florets. This will be used for deep-frying.

Making the orange cauliflower

STEP 1
Take a cauliflower floret and dip it into the wet batter, making sure to coat it evenly.

STEP 2
Transfer the coated cauliflower floret to the dry batter, ensuring that it is coated evenly with the mixture.

STEP 3
Carefully place the cauliflower floret into the hot oil and fry until it is nicely brown and crispy. It should take about 3-4 minutes.

STEP 4
While the cauliflower is frying, make the orange sauce. In a small bowl, mix corn starch, orange juice, orange zest, cane sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, and white rice vinegar.

STEP 5
In a separate pan, heat some oil and sauté minced garlic and ginger for about 1-2 minutes.

STEP 6
Add the orange sauce mixture to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Then, add molasses and stir well.

STEP 7
Once the cauliflower is done, add it to the orange sauce in the pan and mix well to coat the florets with the sauce.

STEP 8
Serve the orange cauliflower on a bed of steamed or cooked rice.

💡 Expert tip

The most crucial tip for this recipe is to not double-coat the cauliflower. Since the florets are small, a single layer of breading is enough to achieve a crispy texture. Double-coating them might result in an overwhelming amount of breading, affecting the overall balance of the dish.

🔄 Variations

Try adding a different texture with oyster mushrooms. They have a spongy and chewy texture without a strong mushroom flavor, unlike cauliflower. You can try my vegan orange chicken recipe for a mushroom-version.

Add a twist with tofu. If you want to experiment with a different vegan protein, tofu is a great option. It will bring a unique texture and absorb the flavors of the orange sauce beautifully.

🥣 Serving ideas

Orange cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It is most commonly served over steamed or cooked white or brown rice. The fluffy rice perfectly complements the crispy cauliflower and the tangy orange sauce.

If you are looking for a lighter option, consider serving it over sweet potato rice. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the zesty orange sauce, while the vibrant colors make for an eye-catching and delicious meal.

In addition to rice, you can also enjoy this dish with other grain alternatives. Try it with fried rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even fried noodles for a fun twist on a classic favorite.

In terms of vegetables, orange cauliflower is a great way to add some excitement to your stir-fry. Serve it alongside common stir-fry vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for a colorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal.

❄️ Storing tips

Storing and reheating this orange cauliflower dish is simple and it does not compromise the amazing flavors and textures of the dish.

To store the leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, it is important to note that the crispy coating will begin to soften as time goes on.

I do not recommend freezing the leftovers. The crispy coating will not maintain its texture once the dish is thaw and reheated.

To reheat the dish, I recommend using the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, place the cauliflower on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is heated through. This method will help to maintain the crispy texture of the coating. I do not recommend reheating it in a microwave.

🤔 FAQs

More vegan take-out recipes

Who wouldn’t love a tasty take-out? I hear you. But finding a vegan one is not easy. So here are the homemade versions of few of my favorite ones:

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