Description
These crispy, sweet, and tangy vegan orange cauliflower pieces are coated in a delicious glaze that’s reminiscent of the beloved Panda Express recipe! A perfect vegan alternative, these can be either fried or baked for a healthier twist.
Ingredients
Scale
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- 2 small heads of cauliflower (around 650g), cut into florets
- Neutral oil for frying
Batter:
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- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup room temperature water
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Breading:
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- 1 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut (or substitute with more bread crumbs)
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Glaze:
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- 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
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Cornstarch Slurry for Glaze:
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- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp room temperature water
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For Cooking and Serving:
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- Extra orange slices
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- Preheat oil in a deep frying pan or wok for frying the cauliflower.
- In a large bowl, prepare the batter by mixing flour, corn starch, baking powder, salt, and water until smooth.
- Dip cauliflower florets into the batter and coat them well.
- Dredge each battered floret in bread crumbs (and coconut if using) to coat.
- Fry the coated cauliflower in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a separate small saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Bring to a simmer.
- Prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Slowly add to the saucepan while stirring until the glaze thickens.
- Toss the fried cauliflower in the orange glaze until evenly coated.
- Serve with steamed rice and garnish with extra orange slices and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a healthier version, bake the battered cauliflower in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by varying the amount of maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese, Fusion