Asian-Inspired Orange Cauliflower:

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup flour (gluten-free or almond for keto)
  • Salt
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
  • Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Dip cauliflower florets in flour mixed with salt.
  2. Fry cauliflower until golden and crispy.
  3. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Mix cornstarch and water, then add to sauce to thicken further.
  5. Remove sauce from heat, stir in sesame oil.
  6. Toss cauliflower in sauce until coated.
  7. Serve and enjoy your Asian-inspired orange cauliflower!

Asian-Inspired Orange Cauliflower

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Orange cauliflower is a vegetarian-friendly take on Panda Express’s popular orange chicken recipe. Loaded with a sweet and spicy orange sauce, this lightened-up takeout classic will have your family happily eating their vegetables!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup flour (gluten-free or almond flour for a keto version)
  • Salt to taste
  • Half head of cauliflower, cut into 1 1/2-inch (3 cm) florets

For the Sauce:

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Garnish:

  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Wash and cut cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and water.
  3. One at a time, dip each cauliflower floret in the batter to coat, letting the excess batter drip off.
  4. Arrange the battered cauliflower on a prepared baking sheet or in your air fryer, making sure they aren’t touching one another.
  5. For Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes. For Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
    For Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F and bake on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes.
  6. Orange Sauce: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet or pan over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes, and stir. Add orange juice, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Cook for 1 minute on high flame and let it come to a boil.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to form a paste. Add it to the orange sauce and whisk together. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  8. Once the sauce is thickened, add sesame oil and lower the heat. Toss the cooked cauliflower florets in the sauce until well coated.
  9. Serve the cauliflower over rice and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
  10. Enjoy your delicious Asian-inspired orange cauliflower!