Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower

$- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons olive oil The main ingredient here is cauliflower. It provides a great base for this dish. The all-purpose flour helps create a light, crispy coat. Olive oil adds flavor and aids in achieving that golden crisp. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper These seasonings bring the dish to life. Garlic powder adds depth. Onion powder gives a sweet note. Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. - 1/4 cup orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes The orange sauce really makes this dish special. Fresh orange juice gives a bright taste. Orange zest boosts that citrus flavor. Soy sauce adds umami, while maple syrup balances the tartness. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick. This sauce coats the crispy cauliflower perfectly. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. Preheating the oven Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the cauliflower get crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. Preparing the batter In a large bowl, mix these dry ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Slowly add 1 cup of water and whisk until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable. Coating cauliflower florets Take your medium head of cauliflower, cut it into florets, and add them to the batter. Toss gently until each piece is covered. Baking process Spread the coated florets on your baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the cauliflower. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Flip them halfway through. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Simmering the sauce While the cauliflower bakes, make the orange glaze. In a small saucepan, combine: - 1/4 cup orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Bring this to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 4–5 minutes. It should thicken a bit. Caramelizing the cauliflower Once the cauliflower is crispy, take it out of the oven. Toss it in the orange glaze until well coated. Return it to the oven for 5 more minutes. This caramelizes the glaze and adds a nice shine. Enjoy your crispy baked orange cauliflower! For the full recipe, check out the previous section. To get that perfect crispy texture, spacing is key. When you lay the cauliflower on the baking sheet, make sure not to crowd them. If they touch, they will steam instead of bake. Each piece needs room to get crispy. I flip the florets halfway through baking. This helps them brown evenly on all sides. You can adjust heat with red pepper flakes. If you like it spicy, add more flakes. For a fresh touch, try adding herbs like parsley or cilantro. They brighten the dish and add a nice green color. Mixing in herbs can make your cauliflower sing with flavor. Garnishing is important for a beautiful dish. I like to sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. This adds color and texture. When serving, a side of rice or quinoa makes a great match. It balances the flavors and makes the meal feel complete. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy creating this tasty dish! {{image_2}} To make this dish vegan, you can easily swap some ingredients. Instead of using all-purpose flour, try chickpea flour. It gives a nice flavor and helps the batter stick. For the liquid, you can use vegetable broth instead of water. This change adds depth and taste to your cauliflower. You can play with different citrus juices to change the taste. Try lemon or lime juice for a tangy twist. You could even use grapefruit juice for a unique flavor. Adding spices can also change things up. Consider using curry powder or cumin for a warm, savory kick. These spices mix well with the orange and create a tasty blend. Crispy baked orange cauliflower pairs well with many side dishes. Serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. You could also add a simple salad for freshness. If you want to make it a main course, add protein. Some grilled tofu or chickpeas would work great. For an extra touch, drizzle some extra orange glaze on top before serving. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! To store your leftover crispy baked orange cauliflower, place it in an airtight container. Seal it well to keep moisture out. The dish stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it again, just remember to reheat it properly for the best taste. Freezing is another option for longer storage. First, let the cauliflower cool completely. Then, place it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about an hour. After that, transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To keep your crispy baked orange cauliflower crunchy, use the oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. This will help restore that delightful crispiness. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheat. Just set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes. Enjoy this flavorful dish anytime! For the full recipe, check out the link above. You can pair this dish with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice: White or brown rice balances the flavors well. - Quinoa: A healthy grain that adds protein and fiber. - Roasted vegetables: Carrots or bell peppers bring more color and taste. - Salad: A fresh salad with a light dressing complements the dish nicely. - Noodles: Serve it over noodles for a heartier meal. These sides enhance the flavor and make your meal complete. Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Here are some substitutions to consider: - Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour instead of regular flour. - Soy sauce: Opt for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. - Cornstarch: This can be a great thickener in your batter. These changes keep the dish tasty while catering to gluten-free diets. Leftover crispy cauliflower can stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Here are some tips for storage: - Airtight container: Store it to keep moisture out. - Refrigerate promptly: Don’t leave it out at room temperature too long. For the best taste, enjoy it within a few days. This recipe for crispy baked orange cauliflower is easy and fun. We went over the key ingredients and how to make the dish. Knowing tips for crispiness and flavor makes it even better. You can also switch things up with variations that suit your taste. Store your leftovers the right way to enjoy them later. With this dish, you can impress family and friends. Simple steps lead to great results. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower

Discover the deliciousness of Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower with this easy recipe! Perfectly coated in a flavorful batter and baked to a golden crisp, this dish is drizzled with a tangy orange glaze that will delight your taste buds. Ideal as a snack or a side, it's a healthy twist on a classic treat.

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Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup water

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup orange juice

Zest of 1 orange

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Slowly whisk in the water until you have a smooth batter.

Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until they are fully coated.

Transfer the coated cauliflower to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out evenly. Drizzle with olive oil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.

While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the orange glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, maple syrup, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Once the cauliflower is crispy, remove it from the oven and toss it in the orange glaze until well coated.

Return the coated cauliflower to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4