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Thank you for the lovely guest post Cara. I definitely need these crispy caulis in my life. I heart Cauliflower.
Over to Cara. 🙂
You don’t need me to tell you about Richa’s natural talent to not only create some of the most beautiful vegan recipes on the internet but also how she is one of the kindest souls walking on this planet. But I’m going to anyway. I’m a huge Richa fan and I find myself constantly inspired by her. So because of that I wanted to create for her one my most tasty dinner recipes to date.
Cara's Crispy Orange Cauliflower. Vegan Glutenfree Recipe

Ingredients
- 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into small florets (I used a pre-package of cauliflower bought from Trader Joe's)
For Flour Mixture:
- 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2 Tb water, allow to sit until thickens
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup corn starch
- 1/4 cup Cara's gluten-free flour blend, or use wheat/other flour
- 1 tsp oil
For Orange Sauce:
- 2 Tbsp oil
- 3-4 garlic cloves, peeled and zested
- 6 green onions, thinly sliced
- zest of 1 orange + juice of orange
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce, gluten-free , or use coconut aminos to make soy-free
- 2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
Orange Sauce Drizzle:
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp corn starch
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Instructions
Cauliflower:
- Blend all ingredients together until a nice batter is formed (shouldn't be too thick: think waffle batter consistency).
- While you are doing this, heat up a skillet with 1/2 c. oil on medium/high heat. Make sure it has been properly heated.
- Dip each small floret into the batter and make sure each piece is entirely covered.
- Fry in oil until completely browned. * or Bake at 425 degrees F / 220ºc for 25 to 30 minutes. Add more flour to the batter to make it thick if needed
- Allow to drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Orange Sauce:
- In a clean skillet, heat oil and garlic for 1 minute.
- Add green onions, zest and juice. Cook another 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce and vinegar and bring to a boil. Toss in crispy cauliflower into the skillet and coat thoroughly. Keep on the pan briefly.
- Place on top of rice.
Orange Sauce Drizzle:
- In that same skillet, throw in the remainder ingredients and bring to a boil for just 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Drizzle over orange cauliflower and rice.
- Garnish with green scallions, orange zest, and sesame seeds.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.














how do I print your recipes?
Just made this. Its a great recipe. Very Very good! My husband and I are trying to go vegan, been vegetarian for 2 years. My husband always wants food that “manly” This is Hearty and tasty. He liked it very much. This made enough for 3 servings for us, Just enough for My husband to take it to work for lunch tomorrow. thank you very much for a recipe to add to mu collection!
I love Cara’s blog and have never been disappointed with any of her recipes. This orange cauliflower goodness is no exception. I can’t wait to try it!
Cara, this sounds awesome. I will likely make this very soon. And, thank-you for including your GF flour blend 🙂 Question: I try to avoid cornstarch cuz of the GMO issue, which is a big concern of mine. Any suggestions?
I’ve been looking for the answer to the same question. Some answers have included using flour as a substitute. What did you end up using?
I used flour, turned out fine for me.
Joyce Brady, try arrowroot. It’s very similar. I stay away from corn, too. Arrowroot is my go-to substitute.
I had to run right out and get a head of cauliflower. Also posted a link to this recipe on my Live Journal page.
This looks perfect! To roll around in. Because yuuuuuum!
Wow! This looks amazing! Definitely a splurge! and boy does it look worth it. Your photography is absolutely stunning! Really gorgeous!
I’ve done fried cauliflower before, but always bhaji-style. But I used to love orange chicken and this looks like a great swap. Yum!
Cara, was it you who also posted an awesome-looking Buffalo Cauliflower recipe a while back? I’ve been musing on that one for a while, too.
Hi Molly! I actually did a Buffalo Tempeh Tender recipe: https://www.forkandbeans.com/2013/02/21/baked-buffalo-tempeh-tenders/ Not sure if this is what you were thinking of.
Hi Molly,
I’m not sure if you found what you were looking for, but I made these and they are amazing!
https://www.peta.org/living/vegetarian-living/spicy-buffalo-cauliflower-wings.aspx
Jen
looks very tempting.. nice shots.. it looks close to manchurian
Nice Recipe….