Sticky Sesame Cauliflower - Secretly Healthy Recipe! (2024)

Sticky sesame cauliflower is the sweet, sticky, and addictively delicious dish that tastes like a better-for-you version of Panda Express!

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower - Secretly Healthy Recipe! (1)

A few weeks ago, I got a text from a friend saying his sister was trying to add more vegan meals to her diet and asking if I had any good tips.

The first advice I had was something I always recommend to anyone who wants to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet, especially for non-vegans just trying to eat more meatless meals in general.

My first recommendation is to NOT replace meat with vegan meat substitutes, which can just set you up for disappointment when you expect one thing and get another.

Instead, think of it an opportunity to explore new recipes and look at vegetables and natural plant based ingredients in a whole new light.

For example, the popular Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are especially delicious!

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower - Secretly Healthy Recipe! (3)

So many people never venture further from preparing vegetables in a “mainstream” way, such as steamed or in a side salad.

But when you look at vegetables as the main event, it opens up a brand new realm of culinary possibilities.

Try taking one of your favorite meat-based recipes and recreating them with your favorite vegetable instead.

Or start out by replacing up to half the meat in a recipe with a meatless alternative. Then you can increase the veggies a bit more each time you make the recipe.

Think Kung Pao Eggplant, Sweet Potato Tacos, Mushroom Stroganoff, or this reader favorite vegetarian recipe for Cauliflower Fried Rice.

Or today’s sticky-sweetsesame cauliflower.

Above, watch the sticky sesame cauliflower recipe video

The best part of sesame chicken has always been the sauce.

It’s the sauce, not the chicken, that makes you crave Panda Express every time you walk past the food court in the mall.

It’s the sauce, not the chicken, that makes sesame chicken so addictive.

And this healthy meatless makeover of the classic recipe keeps all the goodness of that sticky-sweet sesame sauce intact. Plus, since you’re not using a fake meat substitute, there’s no expectation—subconscious or otherwise—that the dish will taste like chicken.

Non-vegan dinner guests won’t be wary of trying a taste.

And then another taste…

And then one more…

Want more meatless ideas? Here are over 25 Cauliflower Recipes

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower - Secretly Healthy Recipe! (4)

Cauliflower, the darling vegetable of the year, is definitely having a moment.

And with more and more cauliflower-based products hitting shelves each day, the cauliflower excitement doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know I’ve loved cauliflower since long before it was trendy.

The following are just a few of the cauliflower recipes you can find on my blog.

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Cauliflower Soup

Healthy Chocolate Cake

Cauliflower Tacos

Cauliflower Casserole

I’m predicting cauliflower is going to be the most popular vegetable of next year as well!

Note: When I researched soy sauce alternatives online, I found a few comments who said you can combine one fourth cup of Worcestershire sauce with a tbsp or two of water to replace half cup of soy sauce.

I haven’t tried it, but if anyone successfully tries this or another option, please feel free to report back for other readers.

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower - Secretly Healthy Recipe! (5)

Also be sure to try this Cauliflower Mac And Cheese and these BBQ Cauliflower Wings.

Pin it now to save for later

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

This delicious secretly healthy sticky sesame cauliflower tastes like a better-for-you version of Panda Express!

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower - Secretly Healthy Recipe! (6)

Leave a Review

Print Recipe

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Yield 3 – 4 servings

5 from 633 votes

Ingredients

  • 1 small head cauliflower, chopped (6 1/2 cups florets)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
  • ½ tsp powdered ginger
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot
  • 1/4 cup water
  • sesame seeds and scallions, for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 450 F. Grease a baking pan or line with parchment. Cut cauliflower into florets, then slice so one side of each floret is flat. Arrange in a single layer in the greased pan. Bake 10 minutes on the center rack. Meanwhile, whisk together the soy sauce, sweetener, vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. While waiting, stir together the cornstarch and water until cornstarch dissolves fully, then slowly whisk this into the saucepan as soon as it boils. Turn heat to medium and cook 2 minutes, stirring more frequently once it returns to a boil. Cook until thick. You can also make the sauce ahead of time if desired, and it thickens more as it sits in the fridge. Flip cauliflower florets and bake 10additional minutes. If desired, you can now move the pan to the top rack and broil 1-2 minutes. Pour sauce over florets. Sprinkle sesame seeds and optional scallions on top, and serve.

    *A few readers have commented to say this works in the instant pot, but I've not tried it. If you try, be sure to let me knowhow itgoes!

    View Nutrition Facts

Notes

Leftover cauliflower? Use it up in this Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce!

Have you made this recipe?

Tag @chocolatecoveredkatie on Instagram

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower - Secretly Healthy Recipe! (7)

More About The Cookbook

Reader Favorite Recipes:

Chocolate Mug Cake

Chia Pudding Recipe

Keto Ice Cream (Low Carb)

Fat Bombs (Keto, Vegan, No Bake)

Who Is Chocolate Covered Katie?

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower - Secretly Healthy Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What is the most nutritious way to eat cauliflower? ›

5 Healthy Ways to Cook with Cauliflower
  • Roasted Cauliflower and Kale Soup. Soup is a quintessential comfort food, especially when it's rich and creamy and full of flavor. ...
  • Cauliflower Steaks with Caper-Anchovy-Garlic Sauce. ...
  • Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • Whole Roasted Cauliflower. ...
  • Cauliflower Tabbouleh.
Feb 20, 2018

What brings out the Flavour of cauliflower? ›

There are two really simple techniques that bring out the best in cauliflower: grilling and pickling. Dumping cauliflower florets in a mixture of salt and lemon juice for 45 minutes to an hour turns them into spiky little flavor bombs, delivering high-pitched squeaks in salads, sandwiches or the stew recipe here.

How do you get the cauliflower taste out of cauliflower? ›

To make cauliflower taste more like broccoli, try the following: Blanch: Cut the cauliflower into small flowers and blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then remove and drain. Blanching removes the astringency of cauliflower and makes it taste more like broccoli.

How do you eat cauliflower if you don't like it? ›

You can top like a pizza or serve like a veggie fritter. The one method I like is fried-rice. Grate up the cauliflower through a course cheese grater, then fry it in a skillet with a little olive oil. It will start to brown a little on the edges, then you can add in your veggies and scrambled egg to finish.

What is the best way to cook cauliflower without losing nutrients? ›

If you are trying to keep things extra healthy steaming is the way to go. A simple way without a steamer is to place cauliflower florets into a deep sided skillet and add about 1/4 cup of water. Place a lid on and let the cauliflower steam for about 10 minutes or until fork tender.

Which is healthier broccoli or cauliflower? ›

While they are both very nutritious vegetables, broccoli has a higher vitamin content, specifically in vitamin K and C, than cauliflower and is specifically known to be great for eye health. Broccoli florets also provide more minerals and fiber as well as contains vitamin A that isn't in cauliflower.

What does adding lemon juice to cauliflower do? ›

Cauliflower should be cooked quartered, or cut into florets at the base of the stem. In kitchen lore, lemon juice, milk, flour and vinegar have all been recommended as additions to cauliflower cooking water, presumably to keep it white.

What does baking soda do to cauliflower? ›

Baking soda is often used as a natural cleaning agent, and it can be used to brighten up your veggies too. Sprinkle a little in the water before boiling to prevent cauliflower from yellowing and make corn look more vibrant.

Why do you put lemon juice in cauliflower? ›

Cauliflower contains some phytonutrients, these nutrients may react with iron cookware and gives the cauliflower a brownish color. To prevent this add some lemon juice to the cauliflower or to the water in which it is blanched.

Why do you boil cauliflower before cooking? ›

Boiling cauliflower makes for a quick side, but boiling it in chicken stock or other soup base is a great way to tenderize the vegetable while you're preparing it for a recipe.

Why do you soak cauliflower? ›

The natural nooks and crevices in broccoli and cauliflower are the perfect hiding spot for dirt, germs and even little bugs. Get your cruciferous veggies squeaky clean by filling a sink with cold water and then soaking them for a few minutes.

When should you not eat cauliflower? ›

If instead of pale brown, the spots are dark brown to black in color, the curds have taken on a mushy texture, or have an off-putting odor, it's best to toss the head of cauliflower and get a fresh one. These are all signs of decay and spoilage.

What part of cauliflower is not edible? ›

Every part of a cauliflower is edible, even the tough outer skin. However, we do recommend peeling this part before cooking as it's a bit tough to chew.

What happens to your body when you eat cauliflower? ›

Cauliflower is high in fiber and water. Both are important for preventing constipation, maintaining a healthy digestive tract, and lowering the risk of colon cancer. Studies have shown that dietary fiber may also help regulate the immune system and inflammation.

Is cauliflower more nutritious raw or cooked? ›

Eating raw cauliflower provides maximum vitamin C content, but cooking cauliflower allows your body to absorb more nutrients, such as vitamin K and potassium. Roasting or steaming cauliflower brings out its natural flavors and adds a delightful texture.

How do you cook cauliflower to retain nutrients? ›

Steaming and microwaving cauliflower will better preserve its vitamin content, especially the B vitamins, than if it is boiled. To microwave: Put 2 cups of florets in a shallow microwavable dish, or cover a whole head of cauliflower with plastic wrap.

Is cauliflower better steamed or boiled? ›

It's best to steam vegetables. If you have a pot that is large enough to steam whole cauliflower or cut up in small pieces. If you boil in water. You will waste vitamins, and flavor.

Does boiling cauliflower remove the nutrients? ›

Another 2009 study found peas, cauliflower and zucchini to be particularly susceptible to a loss of nutrients through boiling, losing more than 50% of their antioxidants. “Water is not the cook's best friend when it comes to preparing vegetables,” the researchers summarized.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tyson Zemlak

Last Updated:

Views: 5839

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tyson Zemlak

Birthday: 1992-03-17

Address: Apt. 662 96191 Quigley Dam, Kubview, MA 42013

Phone: +441678032891

Job: Community-Services Orchestrator

Hobby: Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Metalworking, Fashion, Vehicle restoration, Shopping, Photography

Introduction: My name is Tyson Zemlak, I am a excited, light, sparkling, super, open, fair, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.