Go Back
+ servings
Print Recipe
5 from 7 votes

Spicy Orange Cauliflower Bites - 辣橙花椰菜

If you need a quick and delicious dish, you won't want to miss these spicy Orange Cauliflower Bites. The sauce is sweet and sticky with a slight tang that is really appetizing. It can be made oil-free and gluten-free too.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Keyword: cauliflower, comfortfood
Servings: 2

Equipment

  • Air-Fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 small head of cauliflower washed and cut into florets⁣⁣
  • cilantro stems or chopped green onions for garnish⁣⁣
  • oil for cooking⁣⁣

Batter

  • ¾ cup [94g] all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
  • ¾ cup [175ml]⁣⁣ cup water or plant milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt⁣⁣
  • a few shakes of white pepper⁣⁣

Sauce

  • ¾ cup freshly squeeze orange juice from 2 oranges
  • tablespoons [22ml]⁣⁣ soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar⁣⁣
  • 1 tablespoon red chili flakes or chili of choice
  • tablespoons maple syrup⁣ or 1 tablespoon sugar adjust depending on the sweetness of your orange⁣⁣
  • cornstarch slurry mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 2 tablespoons water⁣⁣

Instructions

  • Pat cauliflower florets dry with a paper towel or let them air dry in a colander.⁣⁣
  • Whisk together batter ingredients in a bowl until well combined. The batter should be thick enough to coat the florets⁣⁣.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F [220°C]. Dredge cauliflower florets in the batter, shake off excess and place them on the air fryer rack.
  • Air 'fry' until golden brown, about 8 - 10 minutes with a shake in between, if needed. See notes to bake these in the oven.
  • In a heated non-stick pan, slowly pour in the orange juice along with the sauce ingredients, except cornstarch slurry.
  • Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and stir until the sugar has melted, then stir in the cornstarch slurry.
  • Add in the cauliflower florets, and quickly toss everything together until well-combined.
  • Serve immediately with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Video

Notes

To bake the cauliflower bites:
  • Preheat oven to 450°F [230°C]. Dredge cauliflower florets in the batter, shake off excess and place them on a lined baking sheet.⁣⁣
  • Brush or spray each floret with oil and bake until golden brown for about 20 mins, flipping halfway. (You can also turn the broiler to low & broil for about 3 mins to get the roasted look at the top)⁣⁣