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Baked Sesame Orange Cauliflower…a healthier approach to the classic Asian fried chicken. I’ve swapped the chicken for nutrient-packed cauliflower, then oven-baked it until crisp. The cauliflower is tossed in a yummy sesame orange sauce with fresh orange juice and chili flakes. It’s a little sweet and a little spicy with such great flavor. This is best served over steamed rice for a wholesome vegetarian dinner. A fun healthier take on a popular takeout dish.
I’ve really been into finding wholesome ways to create some of our favorite foods. I’ve done popcorn chicken, baked buffalo cauliflower, vegetable filled mac and cheese, and my list of possible recipes to create is still a mile long.
I guess it’s just the time of year. I’m still looking for those warming cozy recipes we all love, but made in a little lighter way. Plus, why not try to nourish our bodies with the flavors we love, just in a wholesome way, you know?
If we can do it, we should! And honestly, I couldn’t love this baked version of orange chicken more. Whether you use chicken or cauliflower, it’s all about the sauce, and it’s delicious. You know we love our sauces around here.
Details
The beginning of the recipe is very similar to my buffalo cauliflower. Except I’m using Panko bread crumbs for a little crunch.
Start off by breaking the cauliflower up into florets. Then whisk up a few eggs in a large bowl. Add the cauliflower right into the whisked eggs, then simply toss to coat.
Now dredge the cauliflower through the crumbs, then bake! It’s so simple and what I love most is that by baking the cauliflower you’re really able to taste the sweet, spicy, orange sauce instead of just a fried piece of cauliflower.
For the sauce, the key is to use fresh orange juice. This is perfect since we’re currently in winter citrus season. It takes a little more effort because you have to squeeze out all the juice, but the final results are worth it.
I add plenty of garlic to my sauce, then ginger, and chili flakes for a nice little kick.
The thing about orange sauce is that it’s really simple to make. Just orange juice, soy sauce, and a little something to make it sweet. Most recipes use sugar, but I love to use honey for something that’s more natural and even more delicious. It also adds a little flavor too.
Cook the sauce on the stove, then just toss in the cauliflower. See quicker than take out, right?
Steamed rice and toasted sesame seeds are a definite must for serving. The rice really helps to make this more of a complete meal.
I have to say, this is truly a recipe that everyone really loves…even if they don’t enjoy cauliflower. I was shocked when my picky-eater brothers gave this a try. Granted I also had chicken in the same sauce too, but everyone all agreed, this was the best dish of the night.
So, that should tell you right there…this is a recipe worth trying. When the brothers actually choose a vegetable-based dish, something about it must be REALLY GOOD.
Looking for more vegetarian recipes? Here are a few to try:
Crispy Cheese Poblano Avocado Burrito
Pesto Potato Burrata Pizza with Spicy Arugula
Lastly, if you make this Baked Sesame Orange Cauliflower, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Baked Sesame Orange Cauliflower
Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving: 346 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/4 cups Panko bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/2-1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 cup fresh orange juice + 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/3 cup tamari/soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- green onions, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.2. Beat the eggs in a large bowl, add the cauliflower and toss well to coat. In a separate bowl add the Panko. 3. Dredge the cauliflower through the crumbs, covering fully. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower. Bake for 15 minutes, then switch the oven to broil and broil until crisp, 2-3 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, whisk together the corn starch and 2 tablespoons water.5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Cook 1-2 minutes. Add the orange juice, tamari/soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Bring to a boil, then whisk in the cornstarch and cook until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat. Toss the cauliflower with the sauce. 6. Serve the cauliflower and sauce over steamed rice with sesame seeds and green onions.
Loved this recipe! Easy way to use a head of cauliflower from the garden! I had everything I needed to whip this up and the baking instructions were perfect and didn’t end up as a burned catastrophe. (I’m always skeptical of broiling…) Will make this again!
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try! I really hope you enjoyed it! xT
Great recipe! I used one pound of thighs, instead of the cauliflower and it was fantastic.
Hey! Thank so much for trying out the recipe! I’m so glad you loved it! xT
I just made this last night, and like the numerous other HBH recipes I’ve tried this one will be on regular rotation. The sauce is a flavor bomb and really makes the cauliflower into something to be excited about. Thank you!
Hi Kent,
Happy Monday!! 🍋🫐 I truly appreciate you making this recipe and your comment, love to hear that it was a hit! xT
My daughter is allergic to sesame and sesame oil, could I use walnut oil instead? Or would avocado oil be better?
Thank you!
Hey Susan,
I think avocado oil would work nicely for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xT
My family loves this a Lenten Friday meal! I add a few cashews in for crunch, but absolutely wonderful flavor!
Hi LuAnne,
Wonderful!! I appreciate you making this recipe, I’m so glad it turned out well for you! Have a great weekend:)
I made this tonight and it will definitely be on regular rotation! I drizzled the sauce instead of tossing the cauliflower in it. I think the panko kept its crunchiness better. Great recipe!
Hi Kathleen,
Happy Monday!!🌞 Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your review, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! xx
When does the zest go in? I don’t see it in the instructions..
Hi Gretchen,
You’ll add the zest in step 5 with the orange juice:) Please let me know if I can help in any other way, I hope you love this dish! xx
So tasty! Destined to be a new favorite in our house.
Hey Beth,
Fantastic!! Thanks a bunch for trying this recipe out, I’m thrilled to hear that it turned out well for you:)
Do just use one of those hand held citrus juicer things? Does it matter what type of orange? How many do you need to yield 1 cup?
Hey Ashley,
Yes, I just use a citrus juicer. You can use any orange you like. It depends on how juicy your oranges are:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
I used 2 oranges & hand squeezed them used my lemon juicer bc I couldn’t find the orange one :/ got abt half a cup & used simply OJ for the rest! I don’t think I let my cauliflower get crispy enough, so I’ll try again & let it cook longer. The flavor was good though! 🙂
Thanks for trying the recipe Ashley!!
Is there any suggestion for substituting eggs, I am allergic….
Thanks
Hi Betty,
You could try using buttermilk in place of the eggs, I’ve not tested this though! Let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
Holy Cow that was GOOD! I subbed in Thai sweet chili sauce for the ginger & chili flakes, & maybe half of the honey in the recipe. Knocked it out of the park!
Hey Dale,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:)
Made this the other night and it was fantastic! Think I added too much zest because it was slightly bitter so less of that next ti!e. Another winner from HBH!!
Hey Jennifer,
Wonderful!! Thanks so much for trying this recipe, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! Have a great weekend:)
Can you do this in the air fryer?
Hey Janine,
Sure, I bet that would work well for you! Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xT
Delicious!!! I’ll make again, that sauce!!!
Hey Lori,
Happy Monday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xT
Loved the flavor of the sauce! Only issue is all my panko breading came off and soaked up all of it. I think next time I would omit the breading? Might try again to see what went wrong
Hey Allie,
Thanks for giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback! So sorry about the panko! I would sy to let any extra panko drip off before adding to the baking sheet. I hope this helps! xx
My GF panko was way out of date so I used GF breadcrumbs. I find with these kind of recipes you are best to just use 1/2 the breadcrumbs/panko as it gets ‘wet’ and then does not coat well….so do 1/2 at a time and the breadcrumbs will stick much better. I also had no cornstarch so just used rice flour ….that sauce is wicked good !! Found cauliflower for a good price so bought 3 and made cauliflower rice with 2 of them and this recipe with the other one and really enjoyed it !! would for sure make again. thanks for the recipe Teighan 🙂
Hey Nancy,
Happy Monday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Thanks for sharing what works well for you! xT