Asian Inspired Vegan Orange Cauliflower in Air Fryer

09 Dec Asian Inspired Vegan Orange Cauliflower in Air Fryer

Last Updated on December 9, 2023 by blessmyfoodbypayal

Asian Inspired Vegan Orange Cauliflower in air Fryer (vegan orange chicken) with step wise pictorial and video method.

Vegan Asian Orange Cauliflower in air Fryer (vegan orange chicken) with step wise pictorial and video method.

Air Fried Cauliflower florets coated in sweet and spicy orange sauce is a vibrant, flavorful and innovative creation, offering a delightful alternative to classic cauliflower recipes.

ORIGIN OF ORANGE CAULIFLOWER

Panda Express is an American fast food restaurant chain that specializes in American Chinese cuisine and one of its most popular recipe is Orange Chicken.

Orange cauliflower is the vegan intimidation of Panda Express’s popular Asian orange chicken recipe.

The whole of the present recipe is similar to Orange Chicken, except the usage of cauliflower in place of chicken.

WHY THIS RECIPE OF VEGAN ORANGE CAULIFLOWER IS CALLED ASIAN INSPIRED?

The use of the term “Asian-inspired” in context to this recipe likely refers to the flavors and culinary influences associated with Asian cuisine.

This dish incorporate ingredients, seasonings or cooking techniques commonly found in Asian cooking, giving it a precise and sapid profile. The use of the term aims to convey that the cauliflower dish draws inspiration from Asian culinary traditions.

CAULIFLOWER & ORANGE COMBO

Cauliflower, often celebrated for its versatility and providing a satisfying and nutritious experience, takes on a new identity in the Vegan Orange Cauliflower.

Chew and rubbery texture of cauliflower will not let you miss the chicken.

Crispy florets with tender interior and velvety orange infused glaze coats the cauliflower pieces, creating a glossy finish that signals the promise of an indulgent experience.

Refreshing zing of orange elevates the dish making it a standout choice for those who appreciate complexity and depth in their meals.

METHODS OF FRYING CAULIFLOWER BITES

Here in this post, we have air fried the cauliflower florets but don’t think that in the absence of air fryer, you will be debarred from enjoying this delicacy.

Instead of air fryer,  you can bake the florets as well.

Alternatively, deep frying is the last option those without air Fryer and oven.

WHAT DO I SERVE ORANGE CAULIFLOWER WITH?

This recipe can be served as an appetizer with a dip of your choice.

You can serve this with simple plain rice.

We love to cherish it with fried rice &  garlic noodles.

In conclusion, Vegan Orange Cauliflower is a fusion of citrusy zest and wholesome cauliflower creates a symphony of flavors that delights the palate.

STEP WISE PICTORIAL RECIPE OF ASIAN INSPIRED VEGAN ORANGE CAULIFLOWER RECIPE IN AIR FRYER

MAKING OF CAULIFLOWER BITES

1. Cut the cauliflower into bite size pieces. Quantity of cauliflower and of all other ingredients is given at the end in recipe card.

2. Wash the cauliflower florets and keep aside.

3. Take a bowl and add whole wheat flour, salt, garlic powder, black pepper powder and garam masala.

4. Mix well.

5. Gradually add coconut milk and keep stirring to make a batter.

6. Batter has to be of the thick consistency.

7. Dip each floret into the batter so that it gets coated thoroughly.

8. Thereafter coat the florets in breadcrumbs.

9. Arrange the florets (at a distance) in the greased Air Fryer basket.

10. Air Fry @180°C for 15 minutes or till they turn brown and crisp. Instead you can bake them in oven or even deep fry them. As the Air Fryer basket can’t accommodate much stuff, we did it in 2 batches.

11. Once done, take the florets out in a bowl. 

MAKING OF SAUCE

12. Add sesame oil in a pan with chopped ginger and garlic.

13. Saute till  ginger garlic turns brown.

14. Add fresh orange juice, soya sauce, white vinegar, red chilli flakes, orange zest and water.

15. Mix well.

16. When mixture begins to boil, add corn flour/starch mixed with 3 tbsp water.

17. Simmer till the sauce turns thick and creamy. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes.

18. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower florets. But this step needs to be done only while serving the dish, otherwise cauliflower will loose its crunch.

19. Give them a good mix.

Serve hot after garnishing with white sesame seeds and spring onion greens. 

NOTES

1. Instead of whole wheat flour, you can use all purpose flour as well.

2. To make the gluten free version, use any gluten free flour and gluten free breadcrumbs.

ASIAN INSPIRED VEGAN ORANGE CAULIFLOWER RECIPE IN AIR FRYER – RECIPE CARD

Asian Inspired Vegan Orange Cauliflower in air Fryer

blessmyfoodbypayal

Air Fried Cauliflower florets coated in sweet and spicy orange sauce is a vibrant, flavorful and innovative creation, offering a delightful alternative to classic cauliflower recipes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 3

Ingredients

  

FOR CAULIFLOWER BITES

• Florets of 1 medium cauliflower
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 3/4 cup plant milk of your choice (we used coconut milk. You can use water as well)
• 1 tsp garam masala (optional)
• 2 cup breadcrumbs

FOR SAUCE

• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic finely chopped
• 1.5 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tbsp soya sauce
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
• 1/2 tsp orange zest
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp corn flour/starch mixed with 3 tbsp water

FOR GARNISH

• White sesame seeds
• Spring onion greens

Instructions

 

MAKING OF CAULIFLOWER BITES

• Cut the cauliflower into bite size pieces. Quantity of cauliflower and of all other ingredients is given at the end in recipe card.
• Wash the cauliflower florets and keep aside.
• Take a bowl and add whole wheat flour, salt, garlic powder, black pepper powder and garam masala.
• Mix well.
• Gradually add coconut milk and keep stirring to make a batter.
• Batter has to be of the thick consistency.
• Dip each floret into the batter so that it gets coated thoroughly.
• Thereafter coat the florets in breadcrumbs.
• Arrange the florets (at a distance) in the greased Air Fryer basket.
• Air Fry @180°C for 15 minutes or till they turn brown and crisp. Instead you can bake them in oven or even deep fry them. As the Air Fryer basket can't accommodate much stuff, we did it in 2 batches.
• Once done, take the florets out in a bowl.

MAKING OF SAUCE

• Add sesame oil in a pan with chopped ginger and garlic.
• Saute till  ginger garlic turns brown.
• Add fresh orange juice, soya sauce, white vinegar, red chilli flakes, orange zest and water.
• Mix well.
• When mixture begins to boil, add corn flour/starch mixed with 3 tbsp water.
• Simmer till the sauce turns thick and creamy. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Pour the sauce over the cauliflower florets. But this step needs to be done only while serving the dish, otherwise cauliflower will loose its crunch.
• Give them a good mix.
• Serve hot after garnishing with white sesame seeds and spring onion greens.

Notes

Instead of whole wheat flour, you can use all purpose flour as well.

To make the gluten free version, use any gluten free flour and gluten free breadcrumbs.

Keyword asian inspired vegan orange cauliflower, orange cauliflower, vegan orange chicken