Description
Baked Orange Cauliflower “Chicken” is a mouthwatering, plant-based alternative to classic orange chicken that offers crispy, tender cauliflower florets enveloped in a sweet and spicy orange sauce. This delightful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether as a main course or an appetizer. In just 30 minutes, you can create a healthy meal packed with flavor. With its customizable spice level and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults. Enjoy the satisfaction of a delicious homemade meal without the guilt of takeout!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into 1-inch florets
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 oranges (for juice and zest)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- Sugar to taste
- White vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, combine seasoned flour: 1½ cups flour, garlic powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together batter ingredients: remaining flour, water, oil, salt, garlic powder, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Dredge cauliflower florets in batter then coat in seasoned flour; place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes total (flipping halfway) or until golden brown and tender.
- For the sauce, mix orange juice/zest, ketchup, sugar, vinegar in a saucepan; heat until boiling then thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Toss baked cauliflower in warm sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg