Description
When you’re craving bold, spicy-sweet flavors but want a healthier alternative to takeout, General Tso Cauliflower is the perfect solution. This dish transforms crispy baked cauliflower into a flavor-packed meal coated in a tangy, sticky sauce. It’s plant-based, easy to make, and a hit at family dinners or gatherings with friends. Every bite is bursting with deliciousness, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Batter
- 1 head cauliflower florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup rice flour (or gluten-free flour)
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or water)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or cane sugar)
- 3 tablespoons Bragg’s Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Garnish
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower Batter
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly spraying it with oil. In a medium bowl, whisk together rice flour, almond milk, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. The batter should be loose but coat the cauliflower evenly. - Coat and Bake the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess batter and place the florets on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the tops with oil for extra crispiness. Bake for 30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy. - Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together vegetable broth, maple syrup, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, tomato paste, lemon juice, sesame oil, cayenne pepper, and cornstarch. In a large saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat, then add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture, stirring constantly until it bubbles and thickens, about 2 minutes. - Combine Cauliflower and Sauce
Add the baked cauliflower florets to the saucepan and toss until fully coated with the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while the cauliflower is crispy and the sauce is warm. Pair with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Cut Cauliflower Evenly: This ensures all florets cook at the same rate and become crispy.
- Don’t Skip the Oil Spray: A light coating of oil helps the cauliflower crisp up in the oven.
- Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Their vibrant flavors make a noticeable difference in the sauce.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add more cayenne if you like it spicy or omit it for a milder version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian, Plant-Based