Crispy Orange Sesame Cauliflower Bites

Inspired by Chinese takeout, this cauliflower bites recipe is a healthy take on the traditionally heavy dish. Each floret is lightly breaded with a gluten-free batter, then doused in a delicious sticky, sweet and savory orange sauce. You’ll even reap the benefits of a few bonus ingredients, including turmeric – the golden wonder-spice known for its natural anti-inflammatory support.†

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Crispy Orange Sesame Cauliflower

Servings 4

Calories 299 kcal

Ingredients

Battered cauliflower

• 1 medium or large head cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 7 cups)
• 1-1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk
• 2 large cloves
• 3/4 cup cassava flour
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. ginger powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric
• Pinch pink salt

Orange sauce

• 2 Tbsp. sesame oil
• 2 tsp. sesame seeds
• 2 tsp. garlic, grated
• 1 ½ tsp. fresh ginger, grated
• 1 ½ tsp. orange zest
• 2 Tbsp. scallions sliced thin
• 2 tsp. rice vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. reduced sodium tamari
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne or more if you want it spicy
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice from appx. 1 orange
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 1 Tbsp. arrowroot starch
• 1 Tbsp. cold water

Topping

• Sesame seeds
• 1-2 Tbsp. scallion, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat oven 450 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In medium bowl, combine coconut milk, flour and spices to make batter. Whisk with fork. If batter is too thick, add more coconut milk.
3. Transfer half the cauliflower florets to bowl and toss until evenly coated. Evenly spread out on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining florets. Bake 15 minutes.
4. To make orange sauce, heat small saucepan over medium-low. Add oil and sesame seeds. Cook 1 minute. Add garlic, ginger, orange zest and scallions. Cook for additional minute.
5. Turn heat to low. Add rice vinegar, tamari, orange juice, cayenne and turmeric. Simmer on low 5 minutes.
6. Add honey and cook additional 5 minutes. In small bowl, combine arrowroot powder and water. Finally, add arrowroot-water combo to pan and stir well for about 15 seconds until thick. Remove from heat. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons glaze to use for dipping.
7. When ready, remove cauliflower from oven and immediately transfer to sauce pot; toss to coat. Transfer cauliflower back to baking sheet and bake another 10 -15 minutes until crisp.
8. Fill serving bowl with cooked cauliflower and top with additional scallions and sesame seeds. Season with a pinch of pink salt to taste.

Recipe Notes

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Nutrition Facts

Crispy Orange Sesame Cauliflower

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 299 Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 5g25%

Sodium 465mg19%

Potassium 583mg17%

Carbohydrates 43g14%

Fiber 5g20%

Sugar 12g13%

Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 206IU4%

Vitamin C 84mg102%

Calcium 105mg11%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.