I am always trying to find new ways to use cauliflower. It’s low in calories and very versatile. This Baked Sticky Sesame Cauliflower was really delicious! If you’ve followed me for awhile, you’ve likely seen my Sweet and Sour Cauliflower and Orange Cauliflower. When it comes to Asian-inspired foods, I am basically obsessed.
I made it again the other day and thought I’d add a few new pics to this post.
The cauliflower florets are coated with flour, then a vegan buttermilk mixture which is simply almond milk plus vinegar. These two liquids react and create a bubbly, almost slightly curdled creation that works exactly as traditional buttermilk would. Works like a charm every single time!
Try to drain the florets well. Those little puddles will crust up so I like to stir a few minutes in to get it all absorbed.
Baked at 450 degrees for 20 minutes or until tender and golden brown, the florets get tossed with our sticky sesame sauce.
The sauce is simple. Grated ginger and garlic are warmed over low heat for a few minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the remaining ingredients and whisk until the cornstarch dissolves. Pour this mixture into the saucepan, stirring as you pour. It thickens up very quickly. Toss with the baked cauliflower and serve over rice. Top with white or black sesame seeds, green onion and freshly chopped parsley.
You can find vegetarian Hoisin here. My favorite vegetable broth is this one, but any will do. Lastly, I like to sweeten with agave which is readily available at most grocery stores, or you can find it here.

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
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Baked Sticky Sesame Cauliflower {Vegan}
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of Cauliflower cut into florets
- *
- FOR THE BATTER:
- 1/2 C Flour
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 C Non-Dairy Milk
- 1 Tbl Vinegar or Lemon Juice
- *
- FOR THE SESAME SAUCE:
- 3 Tbl Sesame Oil
- 2 Tbl Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbl Hoisin Sauce
- 1/2 to 1 tsp Ginger grated
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Chili Sauce or Paste
- 1/2 C Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
- 1 Tbl Cornstarch
- 1/8 C Agave or more to taste
- *
- FOR SERVING:
- White or Black Sesame Seeds we used both
- Green Onion
- Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Cut cauliflower into florets and toss with flour/garlic powder mixture. Set aside.
- Combine 1 C of non-dairy milk with 1 Tbl vinegar. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. This will be our buttermilk mixture.
- Toss the cauliflower into the flour and then the buttermilk mixture. For a thicker coating, repeat this process if desired.
- Drain with a slotted spoon and place onto a lined baking sheet (this is recommended for easier clean up - it does tend to stick).
- Bake for 20 minutes or until tender and golden.
- While the cauliflower is baking, place a small saucepan over low heat. Add sesame oil, garlic and ginger. Allow to warm for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine the soy sauce, hoisin, chili sauce, broth, agave and cornstarch, whisking until the cornstarch dissolves.
- Add to the saucepan whisking to combine. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce quickly. Taste for seasoning and/or sweetness.
- Prepare rice to package instructions.
- When the cauliflower is ready, remove to a bowl and toss with the warmed and thickened sesame sauce.
- Serve over rice with a garnish of sesame seeds, green onions and fresh parsley.
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Sarah | Well and Full says
I LOVE this idea. This is a healthy version of one of my favorite take out staples!! 🙂
Joe says
I can just substitute real milk for non-dairy milk right?
aimee says
If you’re not trying to make the recipe vegan, you can absolutely substitute real milk.
Supriya Kutty says
LOVE this go-to recipe!!! so simple, this is seriously perfect for the workweek grind
aimee says
Thanks so much! It’s one of my favorites 🙂
Erin says
Absolutely delicious! Wolfed down instantly by the starving wildebeests that are my family. Thank you for the recipe!