Sticky Honey Garlic Cauliflower (Printer-Friendly)

Crispy battered cauliflower florets glazed with sweet honey garlic sauce and topped with sesame seeds.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cauliflower Coating

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
03 - 1 cup water
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs

→ Honey Garlic Sauce

08 - 1/3 cup honey
09 - 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
10 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
12 - 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

→ Garnish

13 - 2 green onions, sliced
14 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to form a smooth batter.
03 - Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
04 - Arrange on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
05 - Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
06 - Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring, until thickened for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
07 - Toss baked cauliflower in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The crispy texture rivals any deep-fried appetizer but uses way less oil
  • That sweet and sticky sauce coats every nook and cranny perfectly
  • It converts even the most skeptical cauliflower haters instantly
02 -
  • Don't skip flipping the cauliflower halfway through or you'll end up with soggy bottoms
  • The sauce thickens fast once you add the cornstarch, so have your cauliflower ready to toss
  • Work quickly when coating because the sauce starts setting up as it cools
03 -
  • Squeeze excess moisture from cauliflower after cutting if it seems especially wet
  • Space the florets apart on the baking sheet so steam can escape while cooking

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