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Baked Sesame Orange Cauliflower…a healthier approach to the classic Asian fried chicken. I’ve swapped the chicken for nutrient-packed cauliflower, then oven-baked it until crisp. The cauliflower is tossed in a yummy sesame orange sauce with fresh orange juice and chili flakes. It’s a little sweet and a little spicy with such great flavor. This is best served over steamed rice for a wholesome vegetarian dinner. A fun healthier take on a popular takeout dish.
I’ve really been into finding wholesome ways to create some of our favorite foods. I’ve done popcorn chicken, baked buffalo cauliflower, vegetable filled mac and cheese, and my list of possible recipes to create is still a mile long.
I guess it’s just the time of year. I’m still looking for those warming cozy recipes we all love, but made in a little lighter way. Plus, why not try to nourish our bodies with the flavors we love, just in a wholesome way, you know?
If we can do it, we should! And honestly, I couldn’t love this baked version of orange chicken more. Whether you use chicken or cauliflower, it’s all about the sauce, and it’s delicious. You know we love our sauces around here. And our stir fry recipes.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower florets
- Eggs
- Panko bread crumbs
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Garlic (four cloves of garlic)
- Fresh grated ginger
- Chili flakes
- Fresh orange juice
- Tamari/soy sauce (1/3 cup soy sauce)
- Rice vinegar
- Honey
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Green onions and sesame seeds, for serving
- Kosher salt and black pepper (just a pinch of salt needed)
- option to turn up the heat with a tsp sriracha
Kitchen Supplies
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl
- Large skillet (I use a cast iron skillet)
- small saucepan
- Whisk
- airtight container
Details
The beginning of the recipe is very similar to my buffalo cauliflower. Except I’m using Panko bread crumbs for a little crunch.
Start off by breaking the cauliflower up into florets. Then whisk up a few eggs in a large bowl. Add the cauliflower right into the whisked eggs, then simply toss to coat.
Now dredge the cauliflower through the crumbs, then bake! It’s so simple and what I love most is that by baking the cauliflower you’re really able to taste the sweet, spicy, orange sauce instead of just a fried piece of cauliflower.
For the sauce, the key is to use fresh orange juice. This is perfect since we’re currently in winter citrus season. It takes a little more effort because you have to squeeze out all the juice, but the final results are worth it.
I add plenty of garlic to my sauce, then ginger, and chili flakes for a nice little kick.
The thing about orange sauce is that it’s really simple to make. Just orange juice, soy sauce, and a little something to make it sweet. Most recipes use sugar, but I love to use honey for something that’s more natural and even more delicious. It also adds a little flavor too.
Cook the sauce on the stove, then just toss in the cauliflower. See quicker than take out, right?
Steamed rice and toasted sesame seeds are a definite must for serving. The rice really helps to make this more of a complete meal.
I have to say, this is truly a recipe that everyone really loves…even if they don’t enjoy cauliflower. I was shocked when my picky-eater brothers gave this a try. Granted I also had chicken in the same sauce too, but everyone all agreed, this was the best dish of the night.
So, that should tell you right there…this is a recipe worth trying. When the brothers actually choose a vegetable-based dish, something about it must be REALLY GOOD.
For leftovers of this vegan orange cauliflower recipe, simply fill an airtight container and place in the fridge.
Looking for more vegetarian recipes? Here are a few to try:
Crispy Cheese Poblano Avocado Burrito
Pesto Potato Burrata Pizza with Spicy Arugula
Lastly, if you make this Baked Sesame Orange Cauliflower, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Baked Sesame Orange Cauliflower
Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving: 346 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/4 cups Panko bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/2-1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 cup fresh orange juice + 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/3 cup tamari/soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- green onions, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.2. Beat the eggs in a large bowl, add the cauliflower and toss well to coat. In a separate bowl add the Panko. 3. Dredge the cauliflower through the crumbs, covering fully. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower. Bake for 15 minutes, then switch the oven to broil and broil until crisp, 2-3 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, whisk together the corn starch and 2 tablespoons water.5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Cook 1-2 minutes. Add the orange juice, tamari/soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Bring to a boil, then whisk in the cornstarch and cook until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat. Toss the cauliflower with the sauce. 6. Serve the cauliflower and sauce over steamed rice with sesame seeds and green onions.
This post was originally published on February 7, 2022
This was fantastic as a side or a meal.
Hey Laurie,
Happy Friday!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!! xxT
I made this last night for me and my sister, and we both loved it! I only had about 3/4 cup orange juice, but it still turned out great.
Hi Leah,
Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a go, I love to hear that it was a winner!! xTieghan
This was a great recipe. I followed the recipe as written and loved it.
Hey Andrea,
Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a go, I love to hear that it was a winner!! xTieghan
This was insanely delicious. The flavors were perfect together and the spice took it to the next level. I’ll be making this again for the game on Sunday!
Hi Meaghan,
Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a go, I love to hear that it was a winner!! xTieghan
just mediocre.
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for giving the recipe a try, sorry to hear it was enjoyed. Please let me know if there is anyway I can help! xTieghan
We loved this one. I used maybe 3/4 tsp of chili and had quite a kick! I did the egg/panko and then put on the rack that fits inside my sheet pan. Worked great and the pieces got so crispy. Perfect even alone! I would definitely double the sauce next time. We couldn’t get enough. Definitely making this one again.
Hey Amy,
Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a go, I love to hear that it was a winner!! xTieghan
Delicious and easy to make! I used an air fryer to get the perfect crisp on the cauliflower and it worked perfectly.
Hey there,
Fantastic!! Love hearing that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it:) Have the best day! xxT
Excellent recipe. Fun and easy to make. I omitted the rice vinegar because I was out of stock. Regardless, the sauce was packed with flavor and the cauliflower had a nice crunch. When preparing, I added the orange zest to the orange juice & low salt soy sauce mixture. The red pepper flakes add some heat, so adjust the amount according to your tolerance. Serve it as a main meal or as a side to grilled chicken and your tastebuds will be in heaven. This will become a regular meal in our household. Thanks HBH for another great recipe!
Hey Donna,
Fantastic!! Love hearing that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it:) Have the best day! xxT
Loved it!!! Definitely a keeper.
Hey Brenda,
Fantastic!! Love hearing that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it:) Have the best day! xxT
Best cauliflower recipe I’ve made ! The ginger definitely gives this recipe the powerful kick! I didn’t see where to use the orange zest was it for the sauce ?
Otherwise amazing recipe !
Hey Katie,
Fantastic!! Love hearing that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it:) Sorry, the orange zest is used in step 5. Have the best day! xxT
Made this tonight and did half chicken, half cauliflower, (but followed the recipe otherwise). My daughter, (who I would normally have to fight with to get her to eat cauliflower), was none the wiser and devoured her dinner. Great recipe, thank you!
Hey Michelle,
Fantastic!! Love hearing that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it:) Have the best day! xxT
I just made this for dinner tonight. It was delicious!! I have been looking for a breaded cauliflower recipe that doesn’t require frying. This is perfect!
Hey Nikki,
Fantastic!! Love hearing that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it:) Have the best day! xxT
I so much wanted this to work but have yet to get a baked crispy cauliflower bite that can handle being sauced. And unfortunately that was the outcome, the breading on the cauliflower slid off in the sauce. That said, YUM, that sauce was amazing!!! I scooped up every bit of cauliflower and panko crumbs and enjoyed it all. So kudos on the sauce, I am still in search of a breaded cauliflower that can stand up to a sauce that isn’t fried.
Hey Joy,
So sorry to hear this! I am wondering if your coating was a little too thick? Thanks for giving the recipe a try! xTieghan
Fantastic spin on Asian inspired flavors! Cauliflower turned out delicate, yet crispy with enough crunch to satisfy the action. I did not have enough orange juice so supplemented with lemon and pomegranate juices with bit more honey. Also substituted rice flour for the cornstarch. Excellent main or side dish.
Hey Lilly,
Fantastic!! Love hearing that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it:) Have the best day! xxT
This dish looks delish. Just a note that honey should never be heated or cooked with. It changes the chemical composition and makes it glue-like which interferes with the digestion of other foods and actually makes it toxic for consumption. Other than the fact that all its health properties and good enzymes are lost anyways. ☺️ ??
Your comment about honey is a misconception and it’s completely safe to cook with.
Thanks for sharing Misty, please let me know if you give the recipe a try! xTieghan