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EASY Vegan Orange Cauliflower

Vegan Orange Cauliflower features crispy battered cauliflower tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Serve with steamed rice for a quick, satisfying plant-based dinner. Easy to fry, bake, or air fry.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Ingredients
  

For the Cauliflower

  • 2 small heads cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets (about 650 g)
  • Neutral oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup room-temperature water
  • 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup desiccated coconut or additional breadcrumbs

For the Orange Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 2 –4 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons room-temperature water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 4 tablespoons room-temperature water

For Serving

  • Orange slices
  • Sesame seeds
  • Steamed rice

Instructions
 

  • Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and water until a smooth batter forms.
  • In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the desiccated coconut.
  • Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Heat enough neutral oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Fry the coated florets in batches for 5–7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Transfer the cooked florets to a cooling rack to maintain their crispiness.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, soy sauce, vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, cornstarch, and the remaining 4 tablespoons water until smooth.
  • Pour the glaze into a skillet over medium heat and cook until it thickens, stirring continuously.
  • Add the crispy cauliflower to the pan and gently toss until every piece is coated with the glossy orange sauce. This Vegan Orange Cauliflower is best served immediately while the coating remains crisp.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh orange slices before serving over steamed rice.

Notes

  • Replace maple syrup with agave syrup if preferred.
  • Gluten-free flour, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and tamari can be used for a gluten-free version.
  • Serve with jasmine rice, brown rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions for extra freshness.