Spicy Orange Cauliflower

This oil free Spicy Orange Cauliflower is infused with fresh and real ingredients. It’s a delightful Chinese dinner for the entire family. Along with being vegan it’s a healthier form of the traditional Chinese dish.

Originally, the concept of orange chicken is the traditional Chinese dish. Its deep fried, sticky and sweet in taste. Over time, since vegan and plant-based diet came into existence we innovated orange cauliflower.

Moreover, with the concept of baking or Air frying we make it healthier. By using cauliflower, we include this super vegetable into out diet and thereby add more nutrition.

If you are looking for more flavors then my cashew broccoli stir fry is a must try.

Ingredients for Spicy Orange Cauliflower

For the crispy cauliflower
Cornstarch
Salt
Black pepper
Water
Panko crumbs
Cauliflower florets

For the orange sauce
Oranges
Soy sauce
Vinegar
Sriracha Sauce
Ginger powder
Dried garlic
Brown sugar
Vegetable Broth
Salt
Pepper
Cornstarch

For the topping
Sesame seeds

How to make crispy cauliflower

Firstly, in a mixing bowl I combined cornstarch, salt, pepper and water. Then, I mixed it until its smooth and there are no lumps. Keep panko aside in bowl/plate.

Secondly, I tossed cauliflower florets in cornstarch mixture and mixed it well so as to coat every floret with cornstarch mixture.

Thereafter, I took each piece of the floret and wrapped it in panko.

Afterwards, I placed them in a baking sheet and sprayed them with cooking spray. Then, I baked them in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until brown and crispy. Later, I Kept them aside.

How to make spicy orange sauce

Firstly, juice the oranges either in a juicer or in a blender. I preferred blending in a blender followed by straining them in another mixing bowl.

Secondly, I combined all the sauce ingredients in the orange juice and whisked it nicely.

Thereafter, I poured the sauce in a nonstick wok/pan and turned on the flame. While stirring continuously over medium-high flame, I let it cook until it started to bubble.

Afterwards, I continued to cook the sauce uncovered for another 5-7 minutes at low-medium flame until it thickened.

How to assemble Spicy Orange Cauliflower

Once the sauce thickened, I turned off the flame and immediately tossed in baked cauliflower.

Then, I gently mixed everything without breaking the florets.

Lastly, I garnished it with sesame seeds and served hot with steamed white rice/brown rice.

Expert tips:

• If you rinse the cauliflower florets then make its absolutely dry before tossing them in cornstarch mixture.
• Most importantly, as the baked cauliflower cools down it becomes crispier. Therefore, let it cool down before tossing them in orange sauce.
• For a better absorption of the sauce and better presentation I preferred cutting into larger cauliflower florets rather than bite size.

Frequently asked questions:

How long do they last?
This recipe tastes best when served immediately. If you keep it for long time it starts to dry up and loses its texture.

Can I use store bought orange juice?
Yes, but it might be little sour so make sure to adjust the sugar accordingly. I prefer squeezing out fresh juice so I used small ripe oranges. Fresh squeezed orange juice definitely gives a better flavor to this recipe.

Can I Air Fry Cauliflowers?
Yes, I have provided the details in the recipe card under notes.

How do I make it non spicy for the kids?
It’s very easy, just by tweaking few ingredients. For example, skip sriracha sauce and black pepper. If your orange juice is sweet then you may skip sugar as well. I have explained it in the recipe card under notes.

You may also like:
Vegetables in Chili Garlic Sauce
Burnt Garlic Eggplant
Vegan Cheese and Parsley Baked Cauliflower
Vegan Habanero Cauliflower Spaghetti
Orange Habanero Pasta

Did you make it?

If you get a chance to make this recipe then please your feedback in the comments below along with the ratings. In addition, you may tag @kiipfit on Instagram because we would love to see what you cooked.