Personal Touch
There’s something magical about the way food can transport us back to treasured moments. I remember the first time I had a crispy orange-coated dish at a family gathering; the sweet and tangy notes danced on my palate, making me smile from ear to ear. It ignited a spark in me to recreate that joy with a plant-based twist. That’s how this Vegan Glazed Orange Cauliflower “Chicken” came to life in my kitchen. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a way to bring people together, share happiness, and enjoy delicious flavors without sacrificing our values. This dish is special because it captures the essence of comfort food while being completely vegan and great for everyone to enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Vegan Glazed Orange Cauliflower “Chicken” is an easy way to enjoy a delightful meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends, as it combines crunch and flavor in every bite. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to whip up this tasty dish, and it’s a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet without losing the flavors you love. Plus, it’s a fun dish to prepare with loved ones!
How to Make Vegan Glazed Orange Cauliflower “Chicken”
Ingredients
- 2 raw small heads of cauliflower (makes around 3 cups of florets (650g))
- Neutral oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup room temp. water
- 1 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut (or sub more bread crumbs)
- 1 cup orange juice from 2 navel oranges (or orange juice of choice)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2-4 tbsp maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener of choice, adjust according to desired sweetness)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or distilled white vinegar)
- 2 tbsp room temp. water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp room temp. water
- Extra orange slices
- Sesame seeds (for garnishing)
- Steamed rice
Directions
- Wash and cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, corn starch, baking powder, salt, and water until smooth.
- Coat each floret in batter and then in breadcrumbs mixed with desiccated coconut.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat; fry florets until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes) and place on a cooling rack.
- In another bowl, mix orange juice, zest, maple syrup, soy sauce, and vinegar. Combine cornstarch with water; add to the glaze mixture.
- Heat the glaze in a pan; toss in the fried cauliflower until evenly coated.
- Serve garnished with orange slices and sesame seeds.
How to Serve Vegan Glazed Orange Cauliflower “Chicken”
You can serve this delicious dish over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the tasty orange glaze. Garnish with extra orange slices and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation. This dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at your table.
How to Store Vegan Glazed Orange Cauliflower “Chicken”
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the oven or on the stovetop for a crispy finish.
Tips to Make Vegan Glazed Orange Cauliflower “Chicken”
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the cauliflower to get that perfect crunch.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less maple syrup to suit your taste.
- For an even crispier texture, double coat the cauliflower in the batter and breadcrumbs.
Variation
You can switch up the flavors by adding different spices or herbs to the batter before frying. Try adding garlic powder or paprika for an additional kick. You can also experiment with other fruits for the glaze, like pineapple or lemon, to create a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this dish is not spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the glaze for a bit of heat if you like.
