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Baked Orange Cauliflower

This Baked Orange Cauliflower is crispy, sweet, tangy, and coated in a sticky homemade orange sauce. Perfect for healthy cauliflower recipes, easy vegetarian dinners, and better-than-takeout meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Cauliflower
  • 1 large head cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Orange Sauce
  • ¾ cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Red pepper flakes optional
  • Optional Garnishes
  • Green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Orange zest

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Wash and cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
  4. Make the Batter
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  6. Coat and Bake
  7. Dip cauliflower florets into the batter and allow excess batter to drip off.
  8. Arrange cauliflower evenly on prepared baking sheet.
  9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  10. Prepare the Orange Sauce
  11. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
  12. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  13. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water.
  14. Stir cornstarch mixture into the sauce and cook until thickened.
  15. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  16. Toss and Serve
  17. Transfer baked cauliflower to a large bowl.
  18. Pour orange sauce over cauliflower and toss gently until coated.
  19. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or orange zest if desired.
  20. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Fresh cauliflower creates the crispiest texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking sheet for even crisping.
  • Best served immediately after tossing with sauce.
  • Add extra chili flakes for spicy orange cauliflower variation.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days.