Vegan Orange Cauliflower

If you enjoy strong flavors and want a plant-based version of a traditional takeout favorite, try this Asian-inspired Vegan Orange Cauliflower. Every bite of the zesty, sticky orange sauce that coats the crispy golden cauliflower florets contains savory, tangy, and sweet flavors.   This vegan and incredibly light version of orange chicken is guilt-free and equally delicious.   This Asian-inspired Vegan Orange Cauliflower is perfect as an appetizer or as a main course over rice, demonstrating how cauliflower can easily become the star ingredient.

STATS

• Diet: Vegan
• Course: Side or main
• Cuisine: Fusion or Asian-inspired
• Prep done in 15 minutes
• Cooking time: Thirty minutes
• Forty-five minutes will be spent in total
• Size per serve: 1 and 1/2 cups
• Number of servings(total): Four servings
• Cooking method: Stovetop and oven-baked
• Difficulty: Easy-intermediate

TOOLS

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Baking sheet or tray
• Measuring spoons
• Parchment liner
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Saucepan

INGREDIENTS

CRISPY CAULIFLOWER

• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• A big cauliflower
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• All-purpose flour, one cup
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• Vegan milk, one cup
• 1 teaspoon of powdered garlic

ORANGE SAUCE

• Rice vinegar, three tbsp.
• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch slurry
• Orange juice, one cup
• 1 teaspoon of ginger
• Soy sauce, two tbsp.
• 2 garlic cloves
• Maple or agave syrup, three tbsp.
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

GARNISHING

• Sesame seeds, one tbsp.
• 2 green onions.

INGREDIENT NOTES

MILK

• You may use an unsweetened version of any vegan milk in this recipe. The options included almond, oat, soy milk, etc.

TOMATO PASTE

• It adds volume and appealing color to our orange sauce. You may use red miso for a deeper flavor.

CAULIFLOWER

• The recipe requires one big head of cauliflower that is divided into its florets. These florets provide the meaty bite and keep it fit for vegans. You may also use broccoli for variations.

SOY SAUCE

• Provide a delicious, savory, and umami depth. If you are sensitive to gluten, replace it with tamari or coconut aminos.

FLOUR

• The addition of all-purpose flour gives you a crispy batter. Chickpea flour or almond flour will be suitable for people who are sensitive to gluten or are on a low-carb diet.

CORNSTARCH

• Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make the slurry of cornflour. It thickens the sauce and adds a glossy finish to it.

MAPLE SYRUP

• We are using maple syrup here to balance the orange’s citrusy notes. Date syrup or agave syrup also works best.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Switch the empty oven on and set its temperature to 220 degrees C.
2. Spread a parchment liner on a baking sheet or tray, and then begin working.
3. Mix vegan milk, black pepper, flour, salt, powdered onion, and garlic in a mixing bowl.
4. Coat the florets in that smooth marinade.
5. Let the excess batter drip and arrange them on the baking sheet or tray that has been lined.
6. Move the sides of the florets when some time has passed after placing the tray in the oven.
7. Meanwhile, place a saucepan over a normal flame.
8. Add soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, orange juice, maple syrup, ginger, and tomato paste to it.
9. Mix well and cook for five minutes.
10. Now, add the cornstarch slurry while mixing until your sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
11. Your orange sauce is ready, so remove it from the stove.
12. Till now, all the florets have gotten a crispy golden finish.
13. Shift the tray with baked florets to the counter.
14. Transfer the crispy cauliflowers to the sauce.
15. Mix them well to coat them properly.
16. Transfer it into a serving bowl.
17. We garnish this cauliflower with sesame seeds and green onions.
18. Your vegan Asian-inspired Orange Cauliflower is ready to serve!

TIPS

• Always prefer the freshly squeezed juice of an orange to get the fresh and strong flavor.
• To ensure proper crispness, never overcrowd the baking sheet with the marinated florets.
• Double the amount of sauce to serve with noodles or rice.
• You may also air fry them instead of baking for around twenty minutes at 190 degrees C.

STORING DIRECTIONS FOR LEFTOVERS

FRIDGE

• Pack the remaining orange chicken in a sealed box. Refrigerate it for around three days.

FREEZING

• We will never recommend freezing as the cauliflower florets will lose their crispness upon defrosting.

FAQs

How can we lower its calories?

• Yes, skip the oil while making the batter. Baking the florets without oil can significantly lower the calories.

Can I make it gluten-free?

• We use flour with gluten in place of all-purpose flour and swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. This will make the dish perfectly suitable for people with gluten sensitivity.

Is it feasible to make the sauce in advance?

• Sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for approximately five days. You only need to reheat before mixing with cauliflowers.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS/SERVING

Size per serve: 1 and 1/2 cups
Calories: ~240 kcal
Carbs(total): Thirty-eight grams
Fiber: 5 g
Net carbs: Thirty-three grams
Fats: 6 g
Sugar: Fourteen grams
Proteins: 6 g
Sodium: 540 milligrams