Description
Enjoy a delightful vegan twist on a classic takeout favorite with this recipe for Glazed Orange Cauliflower “Chicken.” Crispy baked cauliflower florets are coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a meatless main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower “Chicken”
- 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for baking or air frying)
Orange Glaze
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cauliflower: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and plant milk. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shake off the excess, and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Make the orange glaze: In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Coat the cauliflower: Toss the baked cauliflower in the orange glaze until coated. Serve garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use an air fryer at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
- Serve over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
