Description
Baked Orange Cauliflower ‘Chicken’ is a delicious, plant-based alternative to the beloved takeout classic. This recipe features crispy cauliflower florets enveloped in a sweet and spicy orange sauce, offering all the flavor without the meat. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. The best part? It’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients, making it a go-to for those looking to enjoy comfort food in a healthier way. Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or side dish to impress your friends and family with its versatility and vibrant taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 1½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 oranges (juiced and zested)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1½ tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, and salt for coating. In another bowl, whisk together flour, water, oil, salt, garlic powder, and cornstarch for batter until smooth.
- Dredge cauliflower florets in the batter, then coat them with the seasoned flour.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
- While baking, prepare the orange sauce by combining juice, zest, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Heat and simmer until thickened.
- Toss baked cauliflower in the orange sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg