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- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup cold water - Oil for frying For the batter, cauliflower is the star. It brings a great texture. The flour and cornstarch help create a crispy coating when fried. I love adding garlic and ginger powders for flavor. Salt and pepper round out the mix. Cold water helps bind it all together. - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish For the sauce, soy sauce or tamari adds a salty kick. Rice vinegar brings a nice tang. I often choose honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Fresh garlic and ginger give the sauce warmth. Sesame oil adds a rich flavor, while red pepper flakes can spice things up. Garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds makes it look pretty, too. Rinse the cauliflower under cold water. This helps remove any dirt. Cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure they are about the same size for even cooking. After cutting, pat the florets dry with a paper towel. This step is key. Dry florets help the batter stick better. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ginger powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to blend all flavors. Next, gradually add 1 cup of cold water. Stir until you get a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower. In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Aim for around 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is hot enough, drop in a small amount of batter. If it sizzles, you’re ready to fry. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring an even coat. Carefully place them into the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 5-7 minutes. You want them golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the bites and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. In a separate saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients. Add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Also, include 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. To spice it up, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. In a large bowl, add the fried cauliflower bites. Pour the prepared sauce over them. Gently toss to coat each bite. This step ensures each floret is covered in sauce. Finally, transfer the General Tso’s cauliflower to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that perfect finish. - Frying temperature control: Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C). This helps the bites fry evenly. If the oil is too cool, the bites get soggy. If it’s too hot, they burn. Use a thermometer for best results. - Ensuring even coating: Make sure each cauliflower floret is fully covered in batter. Dip it in and shake off the excess. This gives a nice, crispy layer when fried. - Gluten-free options: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Cornstarch is already gluten-free. This swap keeps the bites tasty for everyone. - Vegan alternatives for honey: Use maple syrup instead of honey. It works great in the sauce and keeps this dish vegan-friendly. - Pairing with sides or dips: Serve your cauliflower bites with steamed rice or a fresh salad. You can also add sweet chili sauce for extra flavor. - Presentation ideas: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color. Use a nice plate to make the dish look even better. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of General Tso’s cauliflower bites. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a spicy kick. You can also adjust the sweetness level. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. This will make it richer in flavor. Experimenting with these options can help you find your perfect balance. If you want a healthier version, try oven-baking. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the battered cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They will get crispy without frying in oil. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Both methods keep the taste and texture. Garnishes can elevate your dish. Consider adding fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle on chopped nuts, like cashews or peanuts, for added crunch. Green onions and sesame seeds are great choices too. These toppings add layers of flavor and make your dish look even more appealing. Enjoy trying different combinations! To keep your General Tso's cauliflower bites fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep out moisture and air, which can make them soggy. Try to eat leftovers within three days for the best taste. You can reheat these bites in a microwave or oven. The microwave is fast but can make them soft. For a crispier result, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10–15 minutes. This method helps maintain their crunch. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cauliflower bites. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. To enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can make these cauliflower bites ahead of time. To store them, let the cooked bites cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use an air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crunch. These bites pair well with many side dishes. You can serve them with steamed rice or fried rice for a full meal. Other great sides include stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad. For a fun twist, try them with some crispy spring rolls or dumplings. The flavors really complement each other. Absolutely! You can make the sauce sweeter by adding more honey or maple syrup. If you want it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. For less salt, use low-sodium soy sauce. Feel free to play with the sauce until it matches your taste. It’s all about finding what you love. Yes, this dish can be vegan. The main ingredients are already plant-based. For the sauce, use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan. You can also choose tamari instead of soy sauce if you need a gluten-free option. Enjoy this tasty meal without worry! In this article, I shared how to make General Tso's Cauliflower Bites. We covered the key ingredients, from cauliflower and batter to the delicious sauce. The step-by-step instructions guide you for easy preparation and frying. Tips for perfect bites include storage and serving options. In conclusion, this dish is both fun and flavorful. It offers great ways to enjoy veggies. With simple swaps and variations, you can customize it to your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

General Tso’s Cauliflower Bites

Looking for a delicious twist on a classic dish? Try these General Tso’s Cauliflower Bites for a satisfying vegetarian treat that everyone will love! Crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, they are perfect as a snack or side. Discover how to whip up this delightful recipe with simple ingredients that you likely already have at home. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this tasty dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ginger powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup cold water

Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare Cauliflower: Rinse and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

    Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually mix in the cold water until you get a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower florets.

      Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot (around 350°F or 175°C). Test the heat by dropping a small amount of batter in; it should sizzle immediately.

        Coat and Fry Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret in the batter, making sure it is evenly coated. Carefully place the battered florets into the hot oil in batches, frying for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

          Make the Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

            Toss with Sauce: In a large bowl, add the fried cauliflower bites and pour the sauce over them. Gently toss to ensure all bites are well coated.

              Serve: Transfer the General Tso’s cauliflower to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4