General Tso’s Cauliflower

A delightful twist on a classic dish, General Tso’s Cauliflower offers a tasty and satisfying vegan option that everyone can enjoy. This recipe transforms crispy cauliflower into a flavorful centerpiece that’s perfect for dinner gatherings, family meals, or when you’re craving something special. With its balance of sweet and spicy flavors, this dish is bound to impress both adults and kids alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of orange juice, soy sauce, and spices creates an irresistible sauce that elevates the cauliflower.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or enjoy it as an appetizer; this recipe fits various dining occasions.
• Healthy Alternative: This meatless version allows you to enjoy a favorite without compromising on taste or health.
• Crispy Delight: The battered cauliflower turns perfectly crispy when fried, giving you that satisfying crunch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or deep frying pan
• Slotted spatula or metal spider
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or deep frying pan: Ideal for frying at high temperatures, promoting even cooking and crispiness.
• Slotted spatula or metal spider: Perfect for safely removing fried items from hot oil without excess grease.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively and keeping your workspace organized.

Ingredients

A meatless, vegan version of General Tso’s chicken, replacing the chicken with crispy fried pieces of cauliflower. This healthy spin on a Chinese Restaurant Classic will be a hit with both adults and the little ones!

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cm ginger (minced)
• 1 small red chilli
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 150 ml orange juice
• 125 ml soy sauce
• 80 ml rice vinegar
• 50 g sugar
• 1.5 tbsps cornstarch (mixed with 3 tbsp water)

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 smallish head cauliflower
• 100 g rice flour
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 60 – 80 ml water
• 3 cups of oil (for frying)

How to Make General Tso’s Cauliflower

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

• Mince the garlic, chilli, and ginger finely. Heat a pan with 1 tbsp of oil and fry ginger, chilli, and garlic for about 2 minutes.
• Add the tomato paste and fry for another minute.
• Pour in orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
• Add the cornstarch slurry; let the sauce thicken while stirring constantly. Turn the heat down to low to let it simmer.

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower

• Break the cauliflower into 5 cm florets and set them aside in a medium bowl.
• Take 25 g of rice flour from your total measurement for later use.

Step 3: Heat Oil & Prepare Batter

• Heat oil in a deep pan until it reaches 365°F.
• Meanwhile, mix remaining rice flour (75 g), cornstarch, baking powder, salt, sesame oil, and water in a bowl to create a thick batter.

Step 4: Coat & Fry Cauliflower

• Toss the cauliflower florets with the batter until coated from all sides. Sprinkle remaining rice flour over them for extra crunch.
• Fry using a slotted spatula or metal spider to ensure even cooking until they are golden brown (about 4 – 5 minutes).
• Transfer fried cauliflower to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

• Once all florets are fried, add them to a large bowl. Pour simmering sauce over them and toss well to coat evenly.
• Serve your dish sprinkled with sesame seeds alongside rice for an amazing meal!

How to Serve General Tso’s Cauliflower

General Tso’s Cauliflower is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavors and textures to your meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the crispy cauliflower over steamed rice for a classic and satisfying dish. The rice absorbs the savory sauce perfectly.

In a Wrap

• Use large lettuce leaves or tortilla wraps to create fresh and crunchy wraps. This adds a fun twist and makes it easy to eat on the go.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair with stir-fried seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and color. The mix of textures will elevate your meal.

As an Appetizer

• Serve smaller portions as a bite-sized appetizer. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an attractive presentation.

With Noodles

• Combine with cooked noodles, such as rice noodles or soba, for a filling main dish. Toss with extra sauce for added flavor.

Alongside a Salad

• A light salad can balance the richness of the sauce. Consider adding cucumber or carrot ribbons for extra crunch.

How to Perfect General Tso’s Cauliflower

Perfecting General Tso’s Cauliflower involves attention to detail during cooking. Follow these tips for best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will amplify the flavors in your sauce, making it more aromatic and delicious.

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure your frying oil is heated to 365°F for optimal crispiness. If it’s too cool, the cauliflower may absorb excess oil.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to avoid steaming the cauliflower. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of chili according to your heat preference. You can always add more later if you like it spicier.

• Let Sauce Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer thickens it properly, ensuring it clings well to every piece of cauliflower.

• Garnish Creatively: Enhance presentation with sesame seeds or chopped scallions before serving for a pop of color and texture.

Best Side Dishes for General Tso’s Cauliflower

Pairing side dishes with General Tso’s Cauliflower can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful blend of rice, vegetables, and soy sauce complements the main dish beautifully.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition, providing a nice contrast in texture.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and herbs offers freshness alongside the rich cauliflower.
4. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables make for a delightful appetizer that pairs well with the main dish.
5. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic bring a savory crunch that balances out the sweetness of the cauliflower.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can serve as an excellent starter, warming up your palate before diving into the main course.
7. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar adds a tangy bite that contrasts nicely with the sweet sauce.
8. Vegetable Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried vegetable dumplings are great for sharing and provide additional flavors to enjoy alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking General Tso’s Cauliflower can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that may hinder your results. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Boldly skipping the prep: Not preparing ingredients beforehand can lead to confusion and delays. Make sure to mince garlic and ginger, and measure out all your sauces before you start cooking.

• Boldly ignoring oil temperature: Frying cauliflower at the wrong temperature can result in soggy or burnt pieces. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 365°F for perfect crispiness.

• Boldly overcooking the sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer too long can make it overly thick or burnt. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently to achieve the desired consistency without losing flavor.

• Boldly neglecting seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your dish bland. Always taste your sauce before adding it to the fried cauliflower, and adjust salt or sweetness as needed.

• Boldly using too much batter: Overcoating cauliflower can lead to an uneven texture. Ensure each floret is lightly coated with batter for that perfect crunchy exterior.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain crunchiness.

Freezing General Tso’s Cauliflower

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• For best results, freeze before adding sauce.

Reheating General Tso’s Cauliflower

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread cauliflower on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Note that this may make it less crispy.

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding General Tso’s Cauliflower.

What is General Tso’s Cauliflower?

General Tso’s Cauliflower is a vegan take on the classic Chinese dish. It uses crispy fried cauliflower instead of chicken, coated in a flavorful sauce made from orange juice, soy sauce, and spices.

How do I make General Tso’s Cauliflower gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I customize General Tso’s Cauliflower?

Absolutely! You can adjust spiciness by adding more or less chili or experiment with different vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers alongside cauliflower.

How do I store leftovers of General Tso’s Cauliflower?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them before adding the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This General Tso’s Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious and healthy twist on a beloved classic. Its vibrant flavors make it perfect for dinner or meal prep. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or adjust spice levels for your taste!