Glazed Orange Cauliflower “Chicken” (Vegan Recipe)

If you’re craving a plant-based dish that’s sweet, savory, and totally satisfying, this Glazed Orange Cauliflower “Chicken” is your answer. This crispy, golden cauliflower is coated in a tangy and sweet orange glaze that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout options. It brings together all the crispy goodness of “chicken” with the fresh flavors of orange, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. With its crunchy texture and vibrant glaze, this vegan recipe will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!). You can enjoy it as a main course or snack, and it’s a perfect addition to your vegan or plant-based meals. Plus, it’s easy to make—whether you decide to fry or bake the cauliflower, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is inspired by the flavors of Panda Express’s iconic orange chicken but made entirely plant-based, ensuring that it’s as delicious as it is ethical. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to try something new, this orange cauliflower “chicken” is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Glazed Orange Cauliflower “Chicken” is the perfect combination of crispy, tangy, and sweet. The cauliflower florets are battered, breaded, and fried to crispy perfection, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite. The homemade orange glaze is both sweet and savory, with a hint of tang from the vinegar and soy sauce. This recipe is not only vegan but also completely customizable—you can bake the cauliflower instead of frying it if you’re looking for a lighter option. It’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. And, with the addition of rice and sesame seeds, you have a complete meal that’s full of flavor, texture, and nutrition.

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Ingredients

• 2 small heads of cauliflower, cut into florets (approximately 650g)
• Neutral oil for frying

Batter:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup room temperature water

Breading:

• 1 ½ cups bread crumbs
• ½ cup desiccated coconut (or substitute with more bread crumbs)

Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 navel oranges)
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 2-4 tbsp maple syrup (or your preferred liquid sweetener)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or distilled white vinegar)
• 2 tbsp room temperature water

Cornstarch Slurry for Glaze:

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 4 tbsp room temperature water

For Cooking and Serving:

• Extra orange slices
• Sesame seeds for garnishing
• Steamed rice

Variations

• Baking Instead of Frying: If you’d rather avoid frying, you can bake the battered and breaded cauliflower at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
• Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Instead of maple syrup, you can use agave nectar or coconut sugar for a different sweet note.
• Add Vegetables: You can serve the cauliflower over a bed of sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into florets or slices to resemble “chicken” pieces. Make sure the pieces are similar in size for even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking powder, salt, and water to create a smooth batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too runny.

Step 3: Bread the Cauliflower

In a separate bowl, mix the bread crumbs and desiccated coconut. Dip each cauliflower piece into the batter, then coat it thoroughly in the bread crumb mixture. Make sure the pieces are well-coated for the best crunch.

Step 4: Fry the Cauliflower

Heat neutral oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the cauliflower pieces in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove the cauliflower from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then slowly whisk the slurry into the glaze. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes, until the glaze thickens.

Step 6: Coat the Cauliflower

Once the glaze has thickened, pour it over the fried cauliflower pieces and toss to coat evenly. Make sure each piece is generously covered in the sweet and tangy orange glaze.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the glazed orange cauliflower on a plate, garnished with extra orange slices and sesame seeds. Pair with steamed rice for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Frying Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before adding the cauliflower. This ensures the cauliflower gets crispy without soaking up too much oil.
• Coating the Cauliflower: Ensure the cauliflower pieces are evenly coated in both the batter and breading for the best crispy texture. If needed, press the bread crumbs lightly onto the batter-coated cauliflower.
• Glaze Thickness: Adjust the cornstarch slurry to control the thickness of the glaze. For a thicker glaze, add a little more cornstarch; for a thinner glaze, reduce the cornstarch.
• Baking Option: If you prefer to bake instead of fry, spray the breaded cauliflower with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy.

How to Serve

This vegan glazed orange cauliflower is a perfect main course served over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. It also works wonderfully as a snack or appetizer for parties. Garnish with fresh orange slices and sesame seeds to enhance the dish’s presentation. You can pair it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to add more texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, allow the glazed cauliflower to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While the glaze may lose some of its texture upon freezing, you can freeze the cooked cauliflower pieces for up to 1 month. Make sure to freeze them on a baking sheet first to avoid clumping. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the cauliflower at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore some of its crispiness. You can also microwave it, but the cauliflower will be softer.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the cauliflower instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the cauliflower at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s crispy.

2. Can I use a different sweetener besides maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with agave nectar, coconut sugar, or another liquid sweetener of your choice.

3. How do I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha to the glaze for some heat.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bread the cauliflower ahead of time. Fry or bake it just before serving, and toss in the glaze.

7. Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Fresh cauliflower works best for this recipe, but you can use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before using it.

8. Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?

Yes, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.

9. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for a more colorful and nutrient-rich dish.

10. Can I use a different type of citrus for the glaze?

Yes, you can experiment with lemon or lime juice for a slightly different flavor profile in the glaze.

Conclusion

This Glazed Orange Cauliflower “Chicken” is a perfect balance of crispy, tangy, and sweet, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for anyone—vegan or not. Whether you bake or fry the cauliflower, the result is a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The homemade orange glaze brings together all the bold flavors you love, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this vegan glazed orange cauliflower will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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