Description
Sweet and Sour Crunchy Cauliflower Bites are crispy, golden bites of cauliflower coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. A delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken bites, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold water until a smooth batter forms.
- Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, coating them evenly. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Carefully fry the cauliflower in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While the cauliflower is frying, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a saucepan, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Toss the crispy cauliflower in the sweet and sour sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can bake the cauliflower at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, instead of frying.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
- This dish can be served as an appetizer, snack, or a side dish with rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sweet and sour cauliflower, crunchy cauliflower bites, cauliflower snack, vegan cauliflower appetizer