Description
Baked Orange Cauliflower “Chicken” is a delightful and healthier twist on the classic orange chicken dish, perfect for satisfying your cravings without the guilt. This easy-to-make vegan recipe replaces chicken with crispy cauliflower, coated in a sweet and spicy orange glaze that mirrors the flavors of your favorite takeout. Ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep, this dish is both comforting and visually appealing. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with rice, noodles, or salads for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into 1-inch florets
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Juice and zest of 2 oranges
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Salt and garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, mix seasoned flour: combine 1½ cups flour, garlic powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the wet batter: combine 1¼ cups flour, water, oil, salt, garlic powder, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Dredge cauliflower in the wet batter then coat in seasoned flour before placing it on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes; flip florets and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, prepare the orange sauce by combining juice, zest, ketchup, sugar, and vinegar in a bowl.
- Sauté minced garlic in oil until fragrant; add orange mixture and simmer until thickened with cornstarch slurry.
- Toss baked cauliflower in the orange sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg