Description
Craving a crispy, flavorful, and healthier version of your favorite takeout dish? Crispy General Tso’s Cauliflower with Sweet and Spicy Sauce is the perfect plant-based alternative! With golden-baked cauliflower coated in a sticky, tangy, and spicy sauce, every bite is a delicious combination of crispy texture and bold flavors. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (chopped into florets (about 4–6 cups))
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (any kind)
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 2½ tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- ½ tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- ¼ cup honey
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bread the Cauliflower: In a small bowl, beat the eggs. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, garlic powder, coconut sugar, and salt.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat. Place each coated floret on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cauliflower for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce (or tamari), orange juice, tomato paste, sriracha, and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Toss in Sauce: Transfer the baked cauliflower to a large bowl. Pour the warm sauce over the cauliflower and gently toss to coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
- Adjust Heat: Add more or less sriracha to control the spice level.
- Make it Vegan: Replace eggs with plant milk and flour for coating.
- Air Fry Option: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 280