Name: Glazed Orange Cauliflower: A Vegan Twist on a Classic Favorite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 small heads of cauliflower (around 650g), cut into florets; 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 temperature water; 1 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 1/2 cup desiccated coconut (or substitute with 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); 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or distilled white vinegar); 2 tbsp room temperature water; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 4 tbsp room temperature water; Extra orange slices; Sesame seeds for garnish; Steamed rice

Jump to Recipe

Glazed Orange Cauliflower is a vibrant and flavorful vegan take on the classic orange chicken, typically found in Chinese-American cuisine. This dish features crispy cauliflower florets coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze, offering the perfect balance of flavors. The recipe brings together the richness of crispy cauliflower with the zesty kick of fresh orange juice, creating an irresistible dish that will delight both vegans and non-vegans alike. This Vegan Glazed Orange Cauliflower ‘Chicken’ recipe closely mirrors the flavors and textures of the popular dish from Panda Express but without the meat. Whether you decide to bake or fry the cauliflower, the result is a crisp, golden-brown exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner, a flavorful snack, or a party appetizer. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Serve it over steamed rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and extra orange slices, and you have a dish that will not only impress your guests but also satisfy your craving for something savory and sweet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Vegan-Friendly

This recipe is entirely plant-based, making it an excellent choice for vegans and those seeking a meat-free meal. It delivers all the crispy, flavorful satisfaction of traditional orange chicken without the use of any animal products.

2. Easy to Customize

The glaze can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. Add more maple syrup for extra sweetness, or increase the vinegar for a tangier flavor. The versatility of the glaze allows you to make it just the way you like it.

3. Healthy Alternative

Packed with cauliflower, this dish provides a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while still offering the comfort of a crispy, indulgent meal. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite takeout dish.

4. Baked or Fried Option

You can opt for a lighter baked version or go for the more traditional crispy fried cauliflower. Either way, the result is a delicious, crunchy bite that complements the zesty orange glaze perfectly.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

This recipe is suitable for various occasions, whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a snack, or a party appetizer. It’s simple to make but delivers impressive flavor and presentation.

Ingredients

Cauliflower (2 small heads, about 650g)
Neutral oil for frying
For the batter:
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Baking powder
Salt
Room temperature water
For the breading:
Bread crumbs
Desiccated coconut (or extra bread crumbs)
For the glaze:
Orange juice (from 2 navel oranges)
Orange zest
Maple syrup (or another liquid sweetener)
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar (or distilled white vinegar)
Room temperature water
For the cornstarch slurry for the glaze:
Cornstarch
Room temperature water
Extra orange slices
Sesame seeds (for garnishing)
Steamed rice (for serving)

Variations

Spicy Orange Cauliflower: Add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the glaze for a spicy kick.
Baked Cauliflower: Instead of frying, toss the battered cauliflower in a light layer of oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Sweet and Sour Variation: Combine the orange glaze with a bit of pineapple juice for a sweet and sour twist.
Nut-Free: If you’re allergic to nuts, simply omit the desiccated coconut or replace it with additional breadcrumbs for the breading.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and water. Stir until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess batter to drip off. Then, roll the battered cauliflower in the bread crumbs and desiccated coconut mixture.

Step 4: Fry the Cauliflower

Heat neutral oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the battered cauliflower in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the glaze, stirring continuously until it thickens, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Coat the Cauliflower with Glaze

Once the glaze has thickened, pour it over the fried cauliflower and toss until each piece is evenly coated.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Serve the glazed cauliflower over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra orange slices for a refreshing touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s not hot enough, the cauliflower will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
For a lighter version, opt to bake the cauliflower instead of frying it.
To make the batter extra crispy, allow the cauliflower to rest on a wire rack after breading, before frying.
Adjust the sweetness of the glaze to suit your taste by varying the amount of maple syrup or liquid sweetener used.
Don’t overcook the glaze; it should be thickened, but not too sticky.

How to Serve

This Vegan Glazed Orange Cauliflower is perfect when served over a bed of steamed rice. The fluffy rice complements the crispy cauliflower and the tangy glaze. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables or a side of noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds, extra orange slices, or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover glazed cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot pan or oven to retain some of its crispiness.

Freezing

Although freezing is not recommended for the glazed cauliflower as it may affect the texture, you can freeze the breaded but un-fried cauliflower. Once frozen, fry or bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cauliflower in a hot skillet with a little oil to restore its crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350°F.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the cauliflower instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the cauliflower. Coat the battered florets with a light layer of oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

3. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add chili flakes, chili paste, or hot sauce to the glaze for an extra spicy kick.

4. How do I get the cauliflower crispy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough for frying. Alternatively, for a crispy baked version, lightly coat the cauliflower with oil and bake at a high temperature.

5. Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?

While cauliflower works best for this recipe, you can also try using crispy-fried tofu or broccoli for a different twist.

6. How can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup or liquid sweetener to suit your taste.

7. Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled orange juice will work as well.

8. Can I use coconut sugar instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar for maple syrup, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.

9. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat and coat with glaze before serving.

10. How do I store leftover glazed cauliflower?

Store leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Vegan Glazed Orange Cauliflower is an incredibly delicious and satisfying dish that offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to takeout or simply want to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress. The crispy cauliflower, flavorful glaze, and easy-to-follow steps make it a great option for any meal. Serve it up with steamed rice, garnish with sesame seeds, and enjoy a meal that’s not only tasty but also vegan-friendly and customizable to your liking.