Cauliflower Orange Chicken Vegan Recipe That Tastes Amazing

If you’re craving the sweet, tangy, and crispy delight of orange chicken but want to keep it entirely plant-based, this Cauliflower Orange Chicken Vegan Recipe is your new go-to dish. It perfectly mimics the classic flavors of traditional orange chicken, but with the wholesome goodness of crispy cauliflower florets.

Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to add more veggies to your meals, this recipe is vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

The secret lies in the perfectly battered and fried cauliflower pieces, coated generously in a luscious orange sauce bursting with citrusy zest, garlic, and just the right amount of heat. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests.

Plus, it’s gluten-free and completely dairy-free, making it accessible for many dietary preferences.

Ready to delight your taste buds and impress your family? Let’s dive into this delicious and nutritious vegan orange chicken alternative that promises to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan take on the beloved takeout classic offers all the flavor without any animal products. Here’s why it stands out:

• Healthy and wholesome: Cauliflower is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Crispy texture: The batter creates a crunchy exterior that perfectly contrasts with the tender cauliflower inside.
• Flavor-packed sauce: The tangy orange sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory.
• Versatile and easy: It’s simple to prepare and adaptable to your preferred spice level or sweetness.
• Great for meal prep: This dish reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers or packed lunches.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 3/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• 1/3 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Deep frying pan or wok
• Slotted spoon or wire strainer
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels
• Serving plate or bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better batter adherence.
2. Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly add the plant-based milk while whisking until you get a smooth, pancake-batter-like consistency.
3. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or wok, filling it about 2-3 inches deep. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or shimmers when you carefully drop a small bit of batter.
4. Batter and fry the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Carefully place into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Prepare the orange sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
6. Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and slowly add it to the simmering sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Toss the cauliflower in sauce: Place the fried cauliflower in a large bowl and pour the orange sauce over it. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
8. Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy immediately while crispy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, double fry the cauliflower. Fry once until just golden, let cool for a few minutes, then fry again briefly until deeply crispy.

You can experiment with different flours like chickpea or rice flour for unique textures. If you prefer baked cauliflower, toss the battered florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

To add more veggies, consider stir-frying bell peppers or snap peas and tossing them with the cauliflower and sauce. For a lower sugar option, reduce the brown sugar or substitute with maple syrup.

Don’t hesitate to adjust the sauce heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha for a spicy twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Cauliflower Orange Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.

For a lighter option, try it with cauliflower rice or alongside a crisp Asian-style salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing. Steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccoli also complement the dish well.

If you’re looking for complementary vegan dishes, check out our flavorful Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the hearty Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

Conclusion

This Cauliflower Orange Chicken Vegan Recipe is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings all the classic flavors of orange chicken into a plant-based form. With its crispy battered cauliflower and perfectly balanced sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite for vegans and non-vegans alike.

The recipe is easy to make, adaptable, and packed with nutritious ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking for health reasons, environmental concerns, or simply trying something new, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite takeout without sacrificing your values or taste buds.

Try it tonight, and don’t forget to explore other unique recipes like our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or the indulgent Kentucky Bourbon Carrot Cake Recipe for more culinary inspiration!

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