Description
Vegetarian and vegan friendly version of the popular Asian dish. Can easily be made gluten-free or grain free by using the proper ingredients included in the recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Fried Tempura Sesame Cauliflower: (Can be made gluten-free. Baked grain-free version below)
- 1 small–medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour – I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
or regular unbleached flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- avocado oil
, refined coconut oil
, or other high heat oil of choice (for frying)
- sauce, recipe below
- sesame seeds
OR
Baked Sesame Cauliflower: (gluten and grain free)
- 1 small–medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3–4 tablespoons avocado oil
, refined coconut oil
, or other high heat oil of choice
- salt and pepper
- sauce, recipe below
- sesame seeds
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon corn starch
or cassava flour
- 1/4 cup tamari
– gluten-free soy sauce, soy sauce, or coconut aminos
– gluten and grain-free
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup honey or sugar, can add more or less, to taste
- 1 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2/3 cup water
Instructions
To Make Fried Tempura Sesame Cauliflower: (Baked version below)
- In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in water until smooth.
- Heat about 1–2 inches of oil up in a cast-iron skillet or small heavy duty pot until hot (between 350–375ºF.)
- Dip cauliflower florets into batter to coat. Shake off excess and gently place into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd, you’ll have to cook in batches. Fry on each side until lightly browned and crispy, should take between 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Make sauce, see directions below. Add tempura cauliflower to the sauce in the pan and stir to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve over rice, quinoa, or with vegetables. Makes about 4 servings.
To Make the Sauce:
- Place cornstarch in a medium bowl and slowly whisk in soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil until blended. Stir in water and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute or so, until lightly toasted. Stir in soy sauce mixture and bring to a light boil. Continue stirring until sauce is thick and bubbly.
To Make Baked Cauliflower:
- Preheat oven to 425ºF. Place cauliflower florets on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and bake for 15–25 minutes, until cauliflower is crisp-tender. Pour sauce (directions above) over the top and toss to coat. Bake for an additional 5–10 minutes. Serve over rice, quinoa, or with vegetables. Makes about 4 servings.
- Sauce recipe adapted from Rasa Malaysia.
- Category: Main Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian