Baked Orange Cauliflower “Chicken Recipe
This Baked Orange Cauliflower “Chicken” is a delicious and healthy vegan alternative to traditional orange chicken. Cauliflower florets are battered, lightly baked to a crisp golden, then tossed in a tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy orange sauce bursting with fresh citrus flavors. Perfect as a comforting plant-based main dish that satisfies cravings while keeping things light and nutritious.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Battering
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into 1 inch florets (about 2 lbs.)
- 1½ cup all-purpose flour (for seasoned flour, optional)
- ½ Tablespoon garlic powder (for seasoned flour, optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoned flour, optional)
- 1¼ cup all-purpose flour (for wet batter)
- 1¼ cup water (for wet batter)
- 2 Tablespoon oil (for wet batter)
- 2 teaspoon salt (for wet batter)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for wet batter)
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch (for wet batter)
Orange Sauce
- 2 oranges, juiced and 1 zested (about 1 cup juice and 1 tablespoon zest)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 Tablespoon granulated sugar (or to your preference)
- 1½ Tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to your preference)
- ½ Tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 Tablespoon cold water)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a half sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Seasoned Flour (Optional): If using, mix together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl to create a seasoned flour coating.
- Make Wet Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1¼ cups water, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Coat Cauliflower Florets: Working in small batches, dredge the cauliflower florets into the wet batter, ensuring they are evenly coated but shaking off excess batter. Then, toss each floret in the seasoned flour mixture if using, coating lightly and shaking off extra flour to avoid clumping.
- Arrange and Bake Cauliflower: Place the battered and floured cauliflower florets evenly onto the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F, then carefully flip each piece and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the florets are lightly browned and tender. Baking time may vary based on floret size and oven performance.
- Prepare Orange Sauce Base: While the cauliflower bakes, combine the orange juice and zest, ketchup, sugar, and white vinegar in a bowl, mixing thoroughly until well combined. Set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Pepper Flakes: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add a small amount of oil and sauté the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being cautious not to burn the garlic.
- Cook and Thicken Sauce: Pour in the orange juice mixture and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry (½ tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water). Continue stirring as the sauce bubbles and thickens to the desired consistency.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Once the cauliflower is done baking, place the warm florets in a heatproof bowl and toss gently with the prepared orange sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the sauced cauliflower with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious vegan orange cauliflower “chicken”!
Notes
- The seasoned flour step is optional but adds extra flavor and a light crispiness to the cauliflower.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and red pepper flakes in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Use fresh oranges for the best, brightest flavor in the sauce.
- The baking time can vary depending on the size of your cauliflower florets and your oven, so watch for a lightly browned and tender texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for battering.
- Serve this dish with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: orange sauce, vegan, Asian-inspired, baked cauliflower, healthy, vegetarian, plant-based, orange cauliflower, vegan main dish
