Name: Baked Orange Cauliflower “Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower, cut into 1 inch florets (about 2 lbs.); 1½ cup all-purpose flour (or as needed); ½ Tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1¼ cup water; 2 Tablespoon oil; 2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 oranges, juiced and 1 zested (about 1 cup juice and 1 tablespoon zest); ¼ cup ketchup; 2 Tablespoon granulated sugar (or to your preference); 1½ Tablespoon white vinegar; 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon); ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to your preference); ½ Tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 Tablespoon cold water (cornstarch slurry)

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If you are looking for a fun and tasty way to enjoy a plant-based twist on a classic favorite, this Baked Orange Cauliflower “Chicken Recipe” is an absolute must-try. It captures all the vibrant, tangy sweetness of traditional orange chicken but swaps out the meat for tender cauliflower florets that get coated in a perfectly crispy batter. Each bite delivers a juicy pop of zesty orange flavor complemented by just the right amount of heat and garlic. This dish is both comforting and exciting, making it a fantastic option whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply craving something deliciously different.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The dish shows small, round pieces of food covered in a bright orange sauce with a shiny texture, placed inside a white bowl. The pieces are sprinkled with tiny white sesame seeds and small green onion bits, adding contrast. A pair of dark chopsticks holds one sauced piece in the air above the bowl. The background shows an orange fruit blurred behind, and a slice of orange fruit is placed near the bowl on a white marbled surface. The overall colors are warm and fresh, focusing on the orange sauce and green garnish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient works in harmony to build layers of flavor and texture. Below, you’ll find everything you need to make your baked cauliflower irresistibly crispy, coated with that famous orange glaze full of zing and sweetness.

Cauliflower: One head cut into 1-inch florets acts as the “chicken” base, offering a mild and absorbent veggie star.
All-purpose flour: Used in both the seasoned flour and wet batter, this helps create the perfect crispy coating.
Garlic powder and salt: Essential aromatics that bring depth to both the batter and seasoned flour.
Oil: Added to the wet batter, it ensures a golden, crunchy exterior once baked.
Cornstarch: Vital for that crispy texture in the batter and thickening the luscious orange sauce.
Oranges (juice and zest): Bring brightness and natural sweetness that define the sauce.
Ketchup: Provides body and a subtle tomato tang, balancing the orange flavor perfectly.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce, adjustable to your taste.
White vinegar: Adds acidity to keep the sauce fresh and balanced.
Garlic clove and crushed red pepper flakes: Add fragrant warmth and a gentle kick of spice to the sauce.
Parchment paper: For easy cleanup and ensuring the cauliflower doesn’t stick during baking.

How to Make Baked Orange Cauliflower “Chicken Recipe”

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Cauliflower

Start by cutting your cauliflower into about 1-inch florets for even cooking. If you opt to use the seasoned flour, mix the flour with garlic powder and salt in a bowl—this flavorful layer will add a subtle savory hint under the orange sauce.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Batter

In a separate bowl, carefully whisk all wet batter ingredients—flour, water, oil, salt, garlic powder, and cornstarch—until perfectly smooth. This batter forms the magical crispy coating that clings to every floret.

Step 3: Batter and Coat Each Floret

Dredge each cauliflower floret in the wet batter, gently shaking off any excess. Then, toss it lightly in the seasoned flour to add an extra crispy layer. This two-step coating process ensures a great texture once baked.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into a 425°F oven for 10 minutes, then flip and bake another 10 minutes until they’re golden brown and tender. Adjust cooking times depending on floret size and oven variations for the best results.

Step 5: Prepare the Zesty Orange Sauce

While the cauliflower bakes, mix fresh orange juice and zest with ketchup, sugar, and vinegar in a bowl. In a hot pan with a touch of oil, sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes briefly until fragrant, then add your orange mixture. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and stir in your cornstarch slurry to thicken until glossy and luscious.

Step 6: Toss, Garnish, and Serve

Once the cauliflower is ready, toss the florets with the sticky orange sauce in a heatproof bowl, making sure every bite is coated. Garnish with some green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.

How to Serve Baked Orange Cauliflower “Chicken Recipe”

A clear bowl is filled with a thick, creamy light beige batter that looks smooth and shiny. Floating in the batter are several pieces of raw white cauliflower, each piece showing small, round clusters with texture on top and small stems below. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with soft light reflecting on the shiny batter inside. The image shows a close-up view emphasizing the batter's smooth texture and the cauliflower’s natural shape and color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding green onions and toasted sesame seeds gives this dish a fresh and nutty finish, providing a pop of color and texture that makes every plate look restaurant-worthy. You can also sprinkle some finely chopped cilantro if you like.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed broccoli or snap peas offer fresh crunch and vibrant green contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the orange cauliflower “chicken” on a large platter garnished with extra orange zest slices and some thinly sliced chili for heat. If you want to impress guests, try layering it over a bed of steamed rice noodles or wrapped in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Baked Orange Cauliflower “Chicken Recipe” in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispy coating may soften over time, but the flavor will remain just as vibrant.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by packing them tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment layers to prevent sticking. Use within 1 month for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To revive the crispiness, reheat in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes instead of microwaving. This method helps keep the cauliflower from getting soggy while warming it through.

FAQs

Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower?

Absolutely! Broccoli florets or even cauliflower’s close cousin, Romanesco, work well. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetable’s density and water content.

Is the orange sauce spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

The sauce has a mild spicy kick from crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornstarch. Just be sure to check that your ketchup and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to get crispy coating without frying?

Baking at a high temperature with the right batter and coating creates excellent crispiness without deep-frying. The combination of the seasoned flour and wet batter is key to that perfect texture.

Can I prepare the orange sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! Make the sauce up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Reheat gently on the stove before tossing with the baked cauliflower for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Baked Orange Cauliflower “Chicken Recipe” that makes it feel both comforting and exciting. Its crispy, saucy goodness brings a beautiful balance of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re vegan, looking for a meatless Monday option, or simply craving something new and delicious, this recipe promises happiness on a plate. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!