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You are here: Home / Recipes / Spicy Orange Cauliflower

Spicy Orange Cauliflower

Published on March 2, 2020 Updated on January 17, 2023 By Gunjan 17 Comments

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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.

A close up of spicy orange cauliflower

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.

baking process

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.

baked crispy cauliflower

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.

oranges in a blender

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

All the sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl

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.

Spicy Orange cauliflower in a wok

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.

Top view of spicy orange cauliflower

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.

A close up of spicy orange cauliflower
Print Recipe
5 from 8 votes

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.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Total Time50 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: baked orange cauliflower, orange cauliflower, orange cauliflower air fryer, orange cauliflower recipe, sticky orange cauliflower, vegan orange cauliflower
Servings: 4
Calories: 351kcal
Author: Gunjan

Ingredients

For the cauliflower

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 4 cups cauliflower florets (cut into larger bites)
  • 1/2 cup panko crumbs

For orange sauce

  • 6 small oranges (peeled)
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp ginger powder
  • 1 tsp dried garlic
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 tsp salt or as per taste
  • 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

For the topping

  • 1 tbsp white sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Preheat oven at 450-degree Fahrenheit. Prepare a
    cookie/baking sheet with a parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl combine the ingredients for
    cauliflower (cornstarch, salt, pepper and water). Stir it with a spoon until
    nicely mixed and there are no lumps. In a small plate/bowl keep panko aside.
  • Now, toss cauliflower florets in the cornstarch
    mixture and mix very well so that each floret is well coated with the cornstarch
    mixture. Now, take a piece of cauliflower floret and cover/wrap it in panko crumbs nicely.
    Place it on the baking sheet. Repeat the same process for the rest of the cauliflower
    florets. Discard the extra cornstarch mixture and panko.
  • Spray them with cooking spray and place the
    baking sheet in the oven. Bake them for 35-40 minutes or until brown and crisp.
    Turn off the oven and take the sheet out. Keep it aside.
  • Now, peel the oranges and juice it using a
    juicer or blend it in the blender and then strain it in another mixing bowl.
  • Then combine all the ingredients of the sauce in
    the orange juice. Mix it well and keep it aside.
  • Place the nonstick wok/pan on the stove and
    before turning it on pour the orange sauce in it. Turn on the flame and keep
    stirring until it starts to boil (make sure to stir so that it does not stick
    at the bottom).
  • Let it continue to cook at low-medium flame for
    about 5-7 minutes stirring twice at intervals or until the sauce thickens.
  • Turn off the flame and toss in baked cauliflower.
    Gently, mix everything without breaking the florets.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with steamed
    white rice/brown rice.

Notes

  • To make it non spicy for kids – skip sriracha sauce and black pepper in the orange sauce. If your oranges are ripe and sweet then you may not need to add brown sugar as well.
  • For Air Fryer – Follow the steps 2, 3, and 4. Instead of placing them in the oven place the florets in the air fryer basket and spray cooking spray on them. Bake them at 350 degree for 15-20 minutes or until brown and crispy shaking them once after 10 minutes.
  • I have provided step wise images above in the post for your reference.
  • This recipe tastes best when served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1318mg | Potassium: 631mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 449IU | Vitamin C: 130mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 2mg

A close up view of spicy orange cauliflower

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Filed Under: Dairy Free, Dinner, Recipes, Special Diet, Vegan

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jenny says

    March 24, 2020 at 6:23 am

    Perfect recipe! Yesterday me and my husband together made this recipe. Loved this dish. Thanks a lot for sharing.

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      March 24, 2020 at 8:56 am

      Thank you Jenny for trying this recipe and appreciating it 🙂

      Reply
  2. Aline says

    March 9, 2020 at 12:32 pm

    5 stars
    This orange sauce looks amazing!! I’ll get some cauliflower today to try this!! Can’t wait!

    Reply
  3. Tara says

    March 8, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    I definitely needed this recipe. I have been eating junk this past week as I have been so busy. Added bonus it tastes amazing!

    Reply
  4. Leslie says

    March 8, 2020 at 12:17 pm

    I’m just drooling over the sauce for this dish! Great vegetarian alternative for Orange chicken, or even a nice side dish.

    Reply
  5. Marisa F. Stewart says

    March 8, 2020 at 10:48 am

    5 stars
    What a great way to serve cauliflower. This white veggie can be a bit bland but certainly not like your prepare it. I tried it last night and we enjoyed the touch of orange plus the sesame seeds. A recipe we’ll make often.

    Reply
  6. Pam Greer says

    March 6, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    5 stars
    I love this healthier version of spicy orange chicken using cauliflower instead. We are trying to go meatless two days a week and this is perfect!

    Reply
  7. Paula Montenegro says

    March 6, 2020 at 3:28 am

    5 stars
    You came up with the perfect replacement for orange chicken, which is a favorite of mine. That sauce! It’s super flavorful and easy to make. Great recipe!

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      March 6, 2020 at 9:30 am

      Thank you Paula! Hope you enjoy it.

      Reply
  8. Analida Braeger says

    March 5, 2020 at 5:29 am

    5 stars
    My son is a huge stir-fry fan and he loved this dish. Thanks for all the great tips!

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      March 5, 2020 at 7:35 am

      I am so happy that your son liked this dish. Really appreciate your feedback.

      Reply
  9. Linda says

    March 4, 2020 at 12:34 pm

    5 stars
    I loved this take on orange chicken! What a great way to get all the flavor and more of my daily veggies. I used the air fryer method, since I’m in love with my fryer, and it came out just as I hoped.

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      March 5, 2020 at 7:35 am

      Thank you Linda!

      Reply
  10. Elaine says

    March 4, 2020 at 3:33 am

    5 stars
    This cauliflower looks so good that it will be easy to surprise everyone with this recipe. One of the best ways to enjoy cauliflower, and I can’t wait to experience it myself, too!

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      March 4, 2020 at 8:07 am

      Hope you get a chance to enjoy it soon.

      Reply
  11. Sharon says

    March 3, 2020 at 8:01 pm

    5 stars
    This is a wonderful way to add so much flavor to cauliflower. Kids love this dish!

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      March 4, 2020 at 8:06 am

      Thank you Sharon!

      Reply

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A close up front view of Gunjan Dudani'a face.
Hi, I am Gunjan Dudani, Certified Nutrition Coach. I love creating comfort vegan recipes with a healthier twist that friends and family will love. Click here

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