Description
This Easy Vegan General Tso’s Cauliflower recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic takeout favorite, featuring crispy baked cauliflower florets coated in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Served over steamed rice and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is a flavorful and satisfying plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened plant milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- sesame seeds
- sliced green onions
- steamed rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, plant milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to form a batter. Place panko in a separate shallow bowl.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, let the excess drip off, then coat in panko. Arrange coated florets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
- While the cauliflower bakes, make the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm sesame oil. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, and maple syrup. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Once the cauliflower is done, toss it in the warm sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use an air fryer at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
- Sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (with rice)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
