Sticky Sesame Cauliflower is the ultimate plant-based twist on the classic sesame chicken you know and love. It’s sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor—without relying on meat or processed substitutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish will have everyone reaching for seconds, whether they’re vegan or not.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The secret to this dish is in the sauce. Much like the original sesame chicken, it’s the sticky, sweet, and savory sauce that makes every bite crave-worthy. By swapping chicken for cauliflower, you get all the flavor with a fraction of the calories and fat. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free when paired with tamari or a soy sauce alternative.
This recipe is ideal if you want to add more plant-based meals to your diet. It’s approachable for beginners, yet tasty enough to impress non-vegans. Instead of trying to mimic meat with substitutes—which often leads to disappointment—this recipe showcases vegetables in a whole new light.
Tips for Enjoying More Plant-Based Meals
Many people stick to the usual vegetable sides like steamed broccoli or salad, but vegetables can be the star of the plate. Here are some simple ways to explore meatless meals without feeling deprived:
- Reimagine your favorite dishes: Think of a dish you love with meat and swap in your favorite vegetable. Sticky sesame cauliflower is a perfect example of this approach.
- Gradual replacement: Start by replacing half of the meat in a recipe with vegetables, then slowly increase the veggie portion over time.
- Explore different cuisines: Try recipes like Kung Pao Eggplant, Sweet Potato Tacos, or Mushroom Stroganoff for exciting, plant-forward meals.
Once you start looking at vegetables as the main ingredient, your culinary possibilities expand dramatically.
Meet Cauliflower: The Star of the Show
Cauliflower has been enjoying a surge in popularity, and for good reason. Its versatility makes it perfect for everything from soups and casseroles to pizza crusts and even desserts. With sticky sesame cauliflower, you’re highlighting this humble vegetable in a flavorful and satisfying way.
Other creative ways to enjoy cauliflower include:
- Cauliflower Pizza Crust
- Cauliflower Soup
- Cauliflower Tacos
- Cauliflower Casserole
- Healthy Chocolate Cake
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering the wonders of cauliflower, this vegetable proves it can take center stage in any meal.
The Magic of the Sauce
Let’s be honest: what makes sesame chicken addictive isn’t the chicken itself—it’s the sauce. This sticky-sweet, garlicky, ginger-spiced glaze is irresistible. By using this same sauce on roasted cauliflower, you get all the flavor without needing any fake meat or heavy frying. Non-vegan dinner guests will enjoy the dish without hesitation, and everyone will want seconds.
Irresistible Sticky Sesame Cauliflower: A Healthier Take on a Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 25 min
Ingredients
1 small head cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 6 ½ cups)
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup, agave, or honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 ½ tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot
1/4 cup water
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Sliced scallions (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare cauliflower by cutting into florets and slicing one side flat. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast cauliflower on the center rack for 10 minutes. Flip florets halfway through for even roasting.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Thicken sauce: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly whisk this mixture into the boiling sauce. Reduce heat to medium and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Finish roasting cauliflower: Flip cauliflower again and bake an additional 10 minutes. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes on top rack for extra crispiness.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over roasted cauliflower, toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and scallions on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make-ahead sauce: The sesame sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge; it will thicken as it cools.
- Soy sauce alternatives: For a lower-sodium option or soy-free version, tamari or a mix of Worcestershire sauce and water can work.
- Instant Pot adaptation: Some readers report success using an Instant Pot, though baking yields the best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 20 min