Baked Orange Cauliflower
Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower is a delicious twist on traditional orange chicken, making it perfect for a healthy snack or as an appetizer. This dish offers a delightful blend of flavors, with the citrusy orange sauce perfectly complementing the crunchy cauliflower. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Unique: The orange sauce gives the cauliflower a sweet and tangy kick that stands out from typical vegetable dishes.
- Healthier Alternative: This dish provides all the crunch and satisfaction of fried food without the added calories, making it a guilt-free choice.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, anyone can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course. It pairs well with rice or noodles!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its vibrant color and enticing aroma make it appealing to both kids and adults.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Baked Orange Cauliflower, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These tools will help streamline your cooking process while ensuring that your dish comes out just right.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Ziploc bags
- Small saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the cauliflower, ensuring they crisp up nicely.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for whisking eggs and combining sauces without mess.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower
- 1/2 head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (Kikkoman brand preferred for even baking)
- 2 large eggs (whisked)
- 2 tbsp water
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 1/2 tbsp vinegar
- 1/8 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 tsp ginger (minced)
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 tsp ketchup
- 2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
How to Make Baked Orange Cauliflower
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Set aside whisked egg in a small mixing bowl. Add about 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs into a Ziploc bag. Line an extra-large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower
Dip cauliflower pieces into the egg mixture. Shake them gently to remove excess egg so that it doesn’t interfere with breadcrumb adherence. Allow them to drain on a cutting board or plate.
Step 3: Coat with Breadcrumbs
Take each dipped cauliflower piece and place it into the bag of breadcrumbs. Seal the bag and shake until fully coated. Transfer to the baking sheet once coated. Repeat this process until all pieces are done, adding more breadcrumbs as needed.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are dark golden brown and crunchy.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While baking, prepare your sauce. In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients except for the last set (1 tbsp water + 2 tsp cornstarch). Bring this mixture to a low boil while stirring constantly. In another bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water before adding it to your sauce mixture. Stir until boiling again until thickened.
Drizzle this delicious sauce over your baked cauliflower once they’re ready. Optionally, add fresh chopped scallions for garnish if desired!
How to Serve Baked Orange Cauliflower
Baked Orange Cauliflower is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, there are numerous options to elevate your dining experience.
As an Appetizer
- Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
- Pair it with a citrus dipping sauce to enhance the orange flavor.
As a Main Course
- Plate it over rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
- Add steamed vegetables on the side for a colorful presentation.
In a Wrap
- Use tortillas to create delicious wraps filled with baked orange cauliflower and fresh veggies.
- Drizzle extra sauce inside the wrap for added flavor.
With Salads
- Toss baked cauliflower into mixed greens for a crunchy salad.
- Combine it with kale and citrus dressing for a refreshing option.
As a Pizza Topping
- Use it as a topping on your favorite pizza base for an exciting twist.
- Add mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly.
How to Perfect Baked Orange Cauliflower
To achieve the best results with your Baked Orange Cauliflower, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh cauliflower: Fresh florets provide better texture and flavor compared to frozen ones.
- Ensure even coating: Shake off excess egg before coating with breadcrumbs to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the cauliflower while baking; remove them when they reach a dark golden brown.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add cayenne pepper or garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for an extra kick.
- Serve immediately: For optimal crunchiness, serve the cauliflower right after baking.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Orange Cauliflower
Pairing Baked Orange Cauliflower with complementary sides enhances your meal. Here are some fantastic side dishes you can consider:
- Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious option that adds color and balances out flavors.
- Fried Rice: Simple fried rice pairs well, creating a hearty combination.
- Garlic Noodles: The savory notes of garlic noodles complement the sweetness of the orange sauce.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots offers freshness and texture.
- Quinoa Salad: Light and protein-packed, this salad works well as a healthy side.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the orange flavors in the cauliflower.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Orange Cauliflower, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to keep in mind.
- Not measuring the ingredients – If you don’t measure your ingredients accurately, the flavor can be off. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Skipping the egg wash – Omitting the egg dip can lead to breadcrumbs not sticking properly. Always coat your cauliflower in the egg mixture before adding breadcrumbs.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet – Placing too many pieces of cauliflower together can cause steaming instead of crisping. Ensure there’s enough space between each piece on the baking sheet.
- Ignoring oven temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature may result in uneven cooking. Stick to 400°F for optimal crispiness.
- Not letting excess egg drip off – If excess egg remains on your cauliflower, it will make the breadcrumbs soggy. Allow time for the egg to drain before coating with breadcrumbs.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Baked Orange Cauliflower in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Orange Cauliflower
- Place cooled cauliflower in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Orange Cauliflower
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but this may make it less crispy.
- Stovetop – Sauté in a pan over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked Orange Cauliflower that might help you out.
What is Baked Orange Cauliflower?
Baked Orange Cauliflower is a delicious vegetarian dish made with cauliflower coated in a zesty orange sauce and crispy breadcrumbs, reminiscent of orange chicken.
Can I make Baked Orange Cauliflower vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute eggs with a flax egg or plant-based alternative and ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
How do I customize the flavor of my Baked Orange Cauliflower?
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar or spice things up by increasing the sriracha in the sauce.
Is Baked Orange Cauliflower healthy?
Baked Orange Cauliflower is lower in calories compared to traditional fried dishes, and it’s packed with nutrients from cauliflower while still being delicious!
Final Thoughts
Baked Orange Cauliflower is not only an appealing dish but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, it satisfies cravings while offering room for customization based on your preference. Try it out and add your personal twist!
Baked Orange Cauliflower
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Baked Orange Cauliflower is a mouthwatering and healthier twist on the beloved orange chicken. This vegetarian delight features crispy cauliflower florets coated in a tangy orange sauce that balances sweetness and spice, making it an ideal appetizer or snack for any occasion. Not only is it easy to prepare, but this dish also impresses with its vibrant color and enticing aroma. Perfect for parties or cozy dinners, Baked Orange Cauliflower satisfies cravings while offering a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1/2 head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tbsp vinegar
- 1/8 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 tsp ginger (minced)
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 tsp ketchup
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch mixture)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs with water. In a Ziploc bag, place panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip cauliflower pieces into the egg mixture, then transfer to the bag of breadcrumbs, shaking to coat evenly.
- Spread coated cauliflower on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, combine all sauce ingredients (excluding cornstarch and water) in a saucepan over low heat until boiling. Mix cornstarch with water and add to sauce to thicken.
- Drizzle sauce over baked cauliflower before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3 oz (85g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
