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Spicy Orange Cauliflower Bites: 5 Fiery Flavorful Steps

Spicy Orange Cauliflower Bites

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Spicy Orange Cauliflower Bites are a delightful vegetarian dish featuring crispy air-fried cauliflower florets coated in a tangy, sweet, and spicy orange glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium Cauliflower head
  • 80 g Flour (⅔ Cup) (all-purpose)
  • 160 ml Milk (⅔ Cup) (or almond milk for vegan option)
  • ½ tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Pepper
  • 75 g Bread crumbs (¾ Cup)
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Freshly grated Ginger
  • 60 ml Low sodium Soy sauce (¼ Cup) (or tamari)
  • 80 g Honey (¼ Cup) (or Maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable broth (or water)
  • 2 tbsp Toasted Sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
  • 60 ml Freshly squeezed Orange juice (¼ Cup)
  • 2 tsp Sriracha sauce
  • ½ tsp Fish sauce (optional)
  • 1½ tsp Cornstarch
  • 2 tsp Water
  • 1 tsp Orange zest
  • 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Scallions

Instructions

  1. Toast the sesame seeds over medium heat in a dry pan until golden and aromatic, then set aside for garnish later.
  2. Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Set aside for coating.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth to form the batter.
  4. Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently until they are evenly coated.
  5. Place the breadcrumbs into another bowl. Dip each batter-coated cauliflower floret into the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to fully cover each piece.
  6. Arrange the breaded florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and cook for 10-13 minutes until golden and crispy.
  7. While the cauliflower cooks, heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden, then add grated ginger and sauté for 1-2 more minutes.
  8. Pour in soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), vegetable broth, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, freshly squeezed orange juice, sriracha sauce, and fish sauce (if using). Whisk well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  9. In a small glass, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Add this mixture to the sauce in the pan and bring it to a low boil, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
  10. Once cauliflower is cooked, transfer the crispy florets to a large mixing bowl. Pour the spicy orange sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat all pieces thoroughly.
  11. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, and orange zest over the coated cauliflower. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

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