Plant-based delight: general tso cauliflower recipe for a taste of china without the meat

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of General Tso without the meat! This General Tso cauliflower recipe offers a delicious and nutritious alternative to the beloved Chinese dish, using crispy cauliflower florets coated in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the cauliflower florets in the seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated.
4. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.

Make the Sauce

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes.
2. Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water.
4. Gradually whisk the cornstarch mixture into the boiling sauce and cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

Combine the Cauliflower and Sauce

1. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and add it to the sauce.
2. Stir to coat the cauliflower evenly with the sauce.
3. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cauliflower is heated through.

Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the General Tso cauliflower with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
2. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Variations

• For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and cornstarch.
• For a vegan version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and honey with maple syrup.
• Add vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers to the stir-fry.

Nutritional Benefits

This General Tso cauliflower recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Cauliflower is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. The sauce provides antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals.

Tips

• To ensure crispy cauliflower, make sure to coat it evenly with the seasoned flour mixture.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting the cauliflower.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water.
• If the sauce is too thin, add a little bit more cornstarch dissolved in water.

Final Note

This General Tso cauliflower recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s a satisfying and healthier alternative to the classic dish that will impress both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Enjoy the crispy cauliflower, savory sauce, and all the health benefits it offers!

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Thaw it completely before using it in this recipe.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cauliflower and sauce ahead of time. Combine them just before serving to keep the cauliflower crispy.