Gluten Free Orange Cauliflower

This gluten free orange cauliflower recipe is a vegan version of the classic orange chicken dish. The bright orange flavor tastes just like you remember!

recipe originally published March 7, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS - Jump to any section:

1. 1. Easy cauliflower recipe
   2. How to make sticky orange glaze
   3. What do you serve this with?
   4. How do you know when cauliflower is done cooking?
   5. Low carb recipes
   6. Storage suggestion
   7. Orange Cauliflower - jump to recipe 

Easy Cauliflower Recipe

This vegan orange cauliflower recipe is my version of the classic chicken dish.

Cauliflower is such a versatile ingredient that it takes center stage in many vegan cauliflower recipes. In this recipe, I've replaced the traditional chicken with cauliflower florets to recreate that menu staple.

How to make sticky orange glaze

This delicious orange cauliflower recipe features cauliflower florets that are coated in cornstarch and baked, fried or air fried.

Then the cauliflower is coated in a delicious sticky orange sauce that is made with

concentrated orange juice, ginger, soy sauce, and garlic. A cornstarch slurry helps to thicken this sauce, and I always have extra water on hand to bring it to the perfect consistency.

How to serve

This recipe is great as a warm salad topper, or as a dippable appetizer.

If you serve this orange cauliflower recipe as a vegetable side dish, consider serving it with one of these easy vegan recipes:

• Moo Goo Gai Pan
• Sesame Scallop Fried Rice
• Vegetable Fried Rice

How do you know when cauliflower is cooked?

You know when cauliflower is cooked when it is just starting to soften, but still has a bite. You can test for doneness by piercing with a sharp knife or a fork. If the knife easily goes into the floret, your cauliflower is done. Cook the florets only until they are done and not too soft or they won't hold their shape as well.

Low Carb Recipes

This orange cauliflower recipe is low carb because the sweetener used is a sugar free brown sugar. I don't necessarily follow a low carb diet, but I like to limit my sugar to desserts.

Cauliflower is also a wonderful substitute for rice and grains. It's quickly become a grain-free alternative for rice for those that are following a low carb, gluten-free or Paleo diet. So if you are reducing carbs or just making more low carb recipes, see this entire cauliflower recipe collection for more menu ideas! 

How long does this last?

If you have leftover orange cauliflower, it keeps in the refrigerator for three days in a container with a tightly fitting lid.

Did you make this orange cauliflower recipe? 

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Yield: 4 servings

Gluten Free Orange Cauliflower

Print

A vegetarian version of the classic orange chicken dish, this one tastes just like you remember!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

Cauliflower

• 1 large head cauliflower
• ¼ cup cornstarch (or arrowroot starch)
• water for spritzing

Sticky Orange Glaze

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• ½ cup orange juice concentrate
• ⅓ to ½ cup water
• 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons gluten free tamari (or soy sauce)

Garnish

• 3 green onions, trimmed and sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F. Add a wire rack to a baking sheet for crispy cauliflower.
2. If using air fryer, line the air fryer basket with a parchment round (or spray with oil).
3. Trim cauliflower, removing outer leaves and core. Break or cut into bite-size pieces. Rinse and drain the cauliflower.
4. Transfer wet cauliflower to a mixing bowl (or directly into air fryer basket if using) and sprinkle with cornstarch. Using tongs, toss to coat evenly.
5. Transfer the dusted cauliflower to the air fryer basket or arrange on a baking sheet with a wire rack.
6. (Rinse this mixing bowl and save to use again.)
7. Oven Baking Method: Roast battered cauliflower at 400 °F for 25 minutes, removing at 15 minutes to turn cauliflower with tongs.
8. Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 390°F for 15 minutes total. Using tongs, carefully turn the cauliflower pieces at 10 minutes, returning basket to air fryer for another 5 minutes.
9. While the cauliflower cooks, make the sticky orange glaze.
10. In a small bowl, combine the 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Stir until dissolved and set aside.
11. Heat the orange juice, garlic, vinegar, tamari, and cornstarch slurry in a small saucepan over medium high heat. Add ⅓ cup water and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to simmer for a few minutes, whisking often. Remove from heat after it thickens. Add more water to reach desired consistency / thin as needed.
12. When the cauliflower is cooked through, transfer it to the mixing bowl. Pour the sticky orange sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently with tongs.
13. Transfer orange cauliflower to serving dish. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

dairy, egg, and gluten free vegan recipe

If you have leftover orange cauliflower, it keeps in the refrigerator for three days in a container with a tightly fitting lid.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Ninja Air Fryer 4 Qt
• 
  Spatula Whisk Set of 6
• 
  Cuisinart Saucepan
• 
  Cutting Board
• 
  Brown Sugar No Sugar
• 
  Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Black Sesame Seeds - 2 Pounds

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 167Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 209mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 6gSugar: 11gProtein: 6g

nutrition calculations results vary by calculator, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.

about Kristina:

Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food!  Read more...

spabettie / Kristina Sloggett is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.