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    Home » Recipes » Dinner » 30 Minute Meals

    Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

    Published: Nov 1, 2021 · Modified: Nov 5, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This sticky sesame cauliflower is oven baked until crispy and then coated in a thick, sweet sesame sauce. It's an easy, plant-based version of a takeout favorite (sesame chicken)!

    sesame cauliflower

    Ready in only 30 minutes, this sesame cauliflower is a quick and simple dinner idea that's ideal for when you're craving takeout at home. The sauce is thick and sticky, which perfectly coats all the nooks and crannies of the cauliflower pieces.

    This recipe is the cauliflower version of our Pan Fried Sesame Tofu. And for similar cauliflower recipes, be sure to check out our takeout-inspired: Orange Cauliflower and Sweet & Sour Cauliflower.

    Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links to cooking items we love & use. If you purchase through one of these links we may earn a small commission.

    Ingredients

    Here's what you'll need to make this recipe. The full recipe card and ingredient list can be found at the bottom of the page.

    For the salad: 

    • Cauliflower
    • Cornstarch
    • Garlic
    • Ginger
    • Soy sauce 
    • Maple syrup
    • Rice vinegar
    • Sesame oil
    • Sesame seeds

    Instructions

    Here's how to make this recipe in 6 simple steps:

    1. Preheat the oven to 400° Fahrenheit.
    2. Prepare the cauliflower: remove any leaves from the cauliflower and chop into bite-sized florets. In a medium bowl, toss the cauliflower with the oil. Then toss the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
    3. Bake the cauliflower: place the cauliflower in one layer on a foil or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, flip and bake for 5 - 10 minutes more, until the cauliflower is browned and cooked through.
    4. Make the sauce: as the cauliflower cooks, in a small bowl, stir together the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
    5. Simmer the sauce: add the sauce to the skillet. Bring it to a boil and then simmer for 2 - 3 minutes, until thickened. Gently stir the cauliflower into the sauce until coated.
    6. Serve: serve warm, optionally over rice or noodles. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds before serving.
    sesame cauliflower

    Substitutions

    Here's some of the most popular substitutions and additions for this recipe:

    • Cornstarch: arrowroot flour or tapioca flour can be used instead
    • Fresh ginger: use ¼ teaspoon ground ginger if you prefer
    • Soy sauce: substitute coconut aminos or Tamari sauce to make this recipe gluten-free
    • Maple syrup: use honey or your preferred sweetener (coconut sugar, brown sugar, or agave will all work)
    • Sriracha: add 1 tablespoon of Sriracha to your sauce for some added spice

    Where to Buy Sesame Seeds: you'll want a generous amount of Sesame seeds to sprinkle on your cauliflower for this recipe (about 1 tablespoon). You can find white sesame seeds in the spice aisle or sometimes the bulk section of your grocery store. They can also be purchased online: White Sesame Seeds.

    Storage

    • In the fridge: cool and store in an airtight container for up to 2 - 3 days. Note: once refrigerated, the cauliflower will lose its crispy texture.
    • In the freezer: it's not recommended to freeze this recipe.
    sesame cauliflower

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How Can I Tell If My Cauliflower Is Cooked?

    To see if the cauliflower is done, pierce a thick piece with a fork. The fork should go all the way through without much resistance. The cauliflower will likely be dark brown in some places as it cooks.

    How Should I Cut The Cauliflower for This Recipe?

    First, trim off any leaves from the base of the cauliflower. Then chop the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, not including the stem of the cauliflower.

    How Can I Make My Sauce Thicker?

    Your sauce should thicken as it simmers and bubbles for 2 - 3 minutes. To thicken it more, let it simmer and reduce for a couple more minutes or add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch.

    More Takeout-Inspired Recipes

    sesame cauliflower

    If you like this recipe, you’ll love these other plant-based, takeout-inspired favorites!

    • Sticky Sesame Tofu
    • Orange Tofu
    • Orange Cauliflower
    • Baked Sweet & Sour Cauliflower

    Print
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    sesame cauliflower

    Sticky Sesame Cauliflower


    ★★★★★

    5 from 4 reviews

    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 3 1x
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    This sticky sesame cauliflower is oven baked until crispy and then coated in a thick, sweet sesame sauce. It's a plant-based version of a takeout favorite (sesame chicken)!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 head cauliflower
    • 3 tablespoons cornstarch (divided)
    • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
    • ⅓ cup soy sauce ((or coconut aminos, Tamari sauce for gluten-free) )
    • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
    • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
    • Sesame seeds

    Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 400° Fahrenheit.
    2. Prepare the cauliflower: remove any leaves from the cauliflower and chop into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the cauliflower with the oil. Then toss the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
    3. Bake the cauliflower: place the cauliflower in one layer on a foil or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, flip and bake for 5 - 10 minutes more, until the cauliflower is browned and cooked through.
    4. Make the sauce: as the cauliflower cooks, in a small bowl, stir together the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
    5. Simmer the sauce: add the sauce to the skillet. Bring it to a boil and then simmer for 2 - 3 minutes, until thickened, stirring frequently. Gently stir the cauliflower into the sauce until coated.
    6. Serve: serve immediately, optionally over rice or noodles. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds before serving.
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Main Course
    • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

    Nutrition

    • Calories: 237
    • Sugar: 14.6
    • Sodium: 1627
    • Fat: 10.8
    • Saturated Fat: 1.6
    • Carbohydrates: 30.2
    • Fiber: 3.1
    • Protein: 5.4

    Keywords: cauliflower, sesame, takeout

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    • Easy Homemade Meatballs
    • Honey Sriracha Meatballs Recipe
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. BK

      October 28, 2021 at 3:40 pm

      5 stars
      Tasty recipe! Would make it again and add more maple syrup (for more sweetness) next time.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Joan Breckwoldt

      December 07, 2021 at 8:29 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect! Loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Megan! I'm a health coach & I love to create salad recipes that are simple and delicious.

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