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Sticky Sesame Cauliflower with a crispy coating from the dry cornstarch velveting technique.

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Rebecca Blumer
Enjoy a plant-based takeout favorite at home with this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower. Tender-crisp florets are tossed in a glossy, sweet-savory glaze for a fast, one-pan dinner that hits every umami note.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 215 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Non-Stick Pan
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
 

  • 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/4 Cup scallions, chopped (the white part only)
  • 2 Garlic cloves minced
  • 4 Cups cauliflower florets
  • 1/3 Cup soy sauce, or tamari for gluten free
  • 4 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions
 

Prep the Cauliflower

  • Toss the raw cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until each piece is lightly and evenly coated.

Build the Base

  • Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the chopped scallion whites and sauté for about 2 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
  • Add the minced garlic and the cornstarch-coated cauliflower florets to the pan. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cauliflower is fork-tender but still has a slight snap.

Whisk the Glaze

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture is smooth.

Finish and Glaze

  • Pour the whisked sauce into the pan with the cauliflower. Stir constantly over medium heat as the liquid bubbles and thickens into a dark, shiny glaze that clings to every floret.
  • Once the sauce has fully thickened and caramelized, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Notes

Pro Tip: Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 1 minute before garnishing to unlock a deeper nutty aroma and better crunch.
Texture Secret: Cut your cauliflower into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure they all reach the perfect fork-tender consistency at the same time without turning mushy.
Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of water to refresh the glossy glaze, as the microwave can soften the texture.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1.5gSodium: 840mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 3gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 85mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword one-pan dinner, Plant-based, Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
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