Glazed Orange Cauliflower
Glazed Orange Cauliflower is a vibrant, tangy, and easy-to-make plant-based dish featuring tender, crispy cauliflower florets coated in a glossy orange glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes, this healthy and flavorful recipe is perfect as a unique side or a star dish for vegetarian and gluten-free meals.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking or Sautéing
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan option available
Cauliflower
- 1 medium head of fresh cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
Orange Glaze
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (maple syrup for vegan)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
Garnishes (optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Crushed peanuts
- Prep the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Pat them dry thoroughly to ensure they roast or sauté to a crispy-tender texture, which helps the glaze adhere better.
- Make the Orange Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, soy sauce (or tamari), honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then add it to the glaze mixture to thicken it.
- Cook the Cauliflower: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the florets are golden and slightly crispy on the edges to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Glaze the Cauliflower: Pour the prepared orange glaze over the cooked cauliflower in the skillet. Stir constantly as the glaze thickens, coating every floret with a glossy and flavorful layer. This process typically takes 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts on top for freshness, texture, and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower florets are thoroughly dried before cooking for better crispiness.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a brighter, more natural citrus flavor.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to the glaze to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Cook cauliflower in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan, which leads to steaming instead of crisping.
- Taste and adjust sweetness of the glaze by modifying honey or maple syrup as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Glazed Orange Cauliflower, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Orange Glaze, Healthy Side Dish, Plant-Based Recipe, Quick Dinner