Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

There’s something about a tray of golden, crispy cauliflower coated in a sticky sesame glaze that just feels like a warm hug after a long day. The first time I made this, it was a chilly Thursday, and I was craving takeout without the mystery ingredients. One bite into that sweet-savory crust, and my fork didn’t stop moving. It’s cozy comfort with a zing, and best of all, it’s done in under an hour. This Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is crisp, saucy, and 100% satisfying — a vegan-friendly main that steals the show at dinner.

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Overview)

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is crispy, oven-baked florets tossed in a bold, sticky glaze that’s full of savory, sweet, and spicy flavor. The texture is just right — crunchy on the outside, tender in the middle — and the sauce clings to every bite. Thanks to ingredients like soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil, it tastes like your favorite Asian takeout but made right at home. It’s gluten-free, vegan-friendly (if you use maple syrup), and comes together in under an hour. Perfect for weeknights or whenever you’re craving something cozy and crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower for so many reasons:

• It’s quick and simple — just 50 minutes from start to finish.
• It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.
• It’s perfect for busy weeknights or prepping ahead for lunches.
• It’s family-friendly and easy to customize with different veggies or protein.

Plus, that sticky sesame glaze? It’s seriously addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses basic pantry staples and a few flavorful extras. You likely have most of these on hand already!

For the Cauliflower Batter

• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/3 cup rice flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup water (just enough to make a thick batter)

For the Sticky Sesame Sauce

• 1.5 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice comfort!)
• 1-inch fresh ginger, minced
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1/4 cup water (for slurry)

Garnish Suggestions

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced spring onions
• Thin red chili slices (optional for heat and color)

How to Make Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a sticky, crispy, satisfying dinner on your table in no time.

Step 1 – Make the batter and coat the cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 392°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment or foil. In a large bowl, whisk together the rice flour, cornstarch, oil, garlic powder, and water until you get a thick, pancake-like batter.

Toss in the cauliflower florets, coating each piece well. You want every nook and cranny covered.

Step 2 – Bake the cauliflower until crisp

Spread the battered cauliflower on your lined tray in a single layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the coating is firm and the florets are lightly golden and still a little crunchy.

Step 3 – Prepare the sticky sesame sauce

While the cauliflower bakes, heat sesame oil in a pan over medium. Add soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, ginger, and garlic. Let it bubble for about 5–6 minutes to bring the flavors together.

If you’re using maple syrup, add it now. If you’re using honey, wait until you remove the pan from the heat.

Mix your cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir the slurry into the simmering sauce. Let it cook another 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens to a glossy, pourable glaze.

Step 4 – Toss cauliflower in sauce and garnish

Once the cauliflower is done, add it to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Pile it into a serving dish and finish with sesame seeds, spring onions, and red chilies.

Serve immediately — the sooner, the crispier!

Tips for Success

• Space out the cauliflower on the tray so it bakes up nice and crisp. No crowding!
• If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just 1 tbsp of sriracha and adjust from there.
• Fresh ginger and garlic really make a difference in the sauce. Don’t skip them.
• Only add honey after the sauce is off the heat to keep its floral sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

We love this Sticky Sesame Cauliflower served over steamy jasmine rice or lo mein noodles. The sauce seeps into the rice and adds a layer of extra deliciousness.

Pair it with a side of sautéed bok choy or a crunchy cucumber salad for contrast. Just make sure to serve it right after tossing — that’s when the texture sings.

Variations & Substitutions

• Make it vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey.
• Swap in tofu, mushrooms, or broccoli for the cauliflower — the sauce works like magic on all of them.
• Double the sauce and store it in the fridge to use on your favorite stir-fries or quick noodle bowls.

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower Recipe Card

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Related Recipes to Try

If you love cozy, flavor-packed dinners, don’t miss these other favorites:

• Try my sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken for a crispy, saucy hit.
• Craving something fast? This 3-ingredient orange chicken is always a winner.
• For something hearty but low effort, make my one pot black pepper chicken.
• Looking for beef instead? This Chinese beef and broccoli recipe is a weeknight favorite.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is one of those dishes that feels special but comes together with simple ingredients and a little love. It’s saucy, satisfying, and so fun to eat. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do around here — and if you do, share a photo or leave a note! You can also find more cozy inspiration on Pinterest.