This Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower is a delicious plant-based twist on classic orange chicken. It features crunchy, oven-baked cauliflower coated in a sticky, tangy, and slightly sweet orange sauce. It’s perfect as a main dish or a side, served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup water (or plant-based milk for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
For the Orange Sauce:
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Extra orange zest
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, water (or plant-based milk), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to form a smooth batter.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shake off excess, and coat it in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Arrange the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the Cauliflower
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), orange zest, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Coat the Cauliflower
- Remove the crispy cauliflower from the oven.
- Toss the florets in the warm orange sauce, coating them evenly.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and extra orange zest.
Tips for the Best Crispy Orange Cauliflower
✔ For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
✔ Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
✔ Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
✔ Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
This Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower is a flavorful, healthy alternative to takeout and a hit with both vegetarians and meat-eaters. Would you like a side dish recommendation to pair with it?
