The Perfect Crispy General Tso’s Cauliflower Recipe for Spicy Lovers

Crispy general tsos cauliflower redefines an ordinary vegetable into a mouthwatering sensation that defies traditional expectations.

This plant-based twist captures the essence of beloved Asian-inspired cuisine with unexpected texture and bold flavors.

Vegetable lovers and culinary adventurers will appreciate how simple ingredients can create something truly remarkable.

The golden, crunchy exterior gives way to tender, perfectly seasoned bites that dance between sweet and tangy.

Each morsel promises a delightful balance of crispiness and robust spices that tantalize your taste buds.

Reimagining classic comfort food, this recipe brings excitement to your dining table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients for Crispy General Tso’s Cauliflower Delight

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a base layer for other coatings and helps create a crispy texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Adds fundamental seasoning to the flour for enhanced flavor.
• Eggs: Helps breadcrumbs adhere to cauliflower and creates a binding layer.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy exterior for the cauliflower.

• Cauliflower: Fresh, firm florets work best for a substantial and meaty texture.

• Sesame Oil: Provides a rich, nutty base flavor for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the sauce.
• General Tso's Sauce: Classic sweet and tangy sauce that defines the dish's flavor profile.
• Water: Helps dilute and balance the sauce consistency.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and gives it a glossy appearance.
• Sriracha: Optional ingredient for adding heat and extra spiciness.
• Vinegar: Balances the sweetness and adds a tangy note.

• Scallions: Fresh, green topping that adds color and mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides a nutty crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Crispy General Tso’s Cauliflower at Home

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Tray

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Set Up Coating Stations

• Seasoned flour (salt and pepper mixed)
• Breadcrumbs
• Whisked eggs

Step 3: Coat Cauliflower Pieces

• First, coat in seasoned flour
• Next, dip in whisked eggs
• Finally, roll in breadcrumbs

Place coated pieces on prepared baking tray.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake cauliflower in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Step 5: Create Sauce Base

Heat sesame oil in a pan and quickly sauté garlic for 10-15 seconds.

Step 6: Build Flavor Profile

Add General Tso’s sauce and water to the pan.

Step 7: Customize Sauce

• Sriracha
• Vinegar (to balance sweetness)

Step 8: Thicken Sauce

Create cornstarch slurry and add to pan.

Simmer sauce for 5-10 minutes until thickened.

Step 9: Combine and Serve

Toss baked cauliflower in prepared sauce.

• Chopped scallions
• Sesame seeds

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Handy Tips for Extra Crunchy Cauliflower

• Flour Coating Technique: Ensure each cauliflower piece is evenly and lightly coated with seasoned flour for maximum crispiness.
• Breadcrumb Trick: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy exterior that stays crisp even after saucing.
• Baking Precision: Rotate the baking tray halfway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning and prevent soggy spots.
• Sauce Balance: Adjust General Tso's sauce sweetness with a splash of vinegar or sriracha to create a perfect flavor profile.
• Serving Strategy: Toss cauliflower in sauce just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent sogginess.

Keeping Crispy General Tso’s Cauliflower Fresh

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the crispy cauliflower from the sauce to maintain its crunchiness and prevent sogginess.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread cauliflower on a baking sheet, bake for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Drizzle reserved sauce just before serving to keep the texture perfect.
• Microwave Caution: While quick, microwave reheating can make the cauliflower soggy. If using, heat in short 30-second intervals, checking texture between each burst to prevent overcooking.

Why Crispy General Tso’s Cauliflower Is a Game-Changer

• Craft a Crunchy Veggie Delight: This recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a crispy, restaurant-style dish that rivals traditional chicken versions, making it a game-changing option for vegetarians and crispy food lovers.
• Master Quick Flavor Explosion: The method of baking and coating creates an incredibly crunchy exterior while the homemade General Tso's sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in under 45 minutes.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Easily adjust the heat level with optional sriracha, swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives, or tweak the sauce ingredients to match your personal taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for any kitchen.

What Pairs Well with General Tso’s Cauliflower

• Craft a Zesty Beverage Companion: Pair this crispy cauliflower with a cold Asian-inspired lager or a bright, citrusy craft beer that cuts through the sauce's richness and complements the dish's spicy-sweet profile.
• Create a Refreshing Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp Asian slaw with rice vinegar dressing to balance the cauliflower's deep-fried texture and provide a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, saucy dish.
• Design a Grain-Based Partner: Accompany the cauliflower with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious General Tso's sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal that plays with different textures and flavors.
• Build a Cooling Dip Accent: Prepare a quick cucumber-yogurt raita or a light sesame-ginger dipping sauce to add a refreshing element that tempers the dish's spiciness and provides a creamy counterpoint to the crispy cauliflower.

Twist Ideas for General Tso’s Cauliflower Lovers

• Spicy Sriracha Kick: Increase sriracha amount for a fiery version, adding red pepper flakes for extra heat and complexity.
• Asian Herb Infusion: Mix chopped cilantro and mint into breadcrumbs for a fresh herb-packed coating, enhancing the cauliflower's flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs, maintaining the crispy texture while accommodating dietary needs.
• Coconut Curry Spin: Substitute General Tso's sauce with a rich coconut curry sauce, incorporating turmeric and ginger for a Southeast Asian-inspired transformation.

Crispy General Tsos Cauliflower Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy General Tso’s Cauliflower delivers a plant-based twist on classic Chinese-American takeout, blending crunchy cauliflower florets with a spicy-sweet sauce that dances between tangy and bold. Comfort meets culinary creativity in this irresistible dish you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• ½ large cauliflower head, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup flour

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ tablespoon (½ tbsp) sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) minced garlic
• ½ cup Trader Joe’s General Tso’s sauce
• 1 ¼ cups water
• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) water (for slurry)
• 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) cornstarch
• 2 ½ teaspoons (2 ½ tsp) balsamic vinegar
• 2 ½ teaspoons (2 ½ tsp) sriracha sauce

Seasoning and Garnish:

• Salt to taste
• Black pepper powder
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) chopped scallions/spring onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, creating a non-stick surface for easy cleanup.
2. Create three distinct coating stations: one with seasoned all-purpose flour mixed with salt and black pepper, another with plain breadcrumbs, and the third with thoroughly whisked eggs.
3. Take each cauliflower floret and meticulously coat it first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess to ensure a light, even layer.
4. Immediately dip the flour-coated floret into the whisked eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, which helps the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
5. Roll the egg-covered floret in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a complete, crispy exterior coating.
6. Arrange the breaded cauliflower pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other for maximum crispiness.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-26 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration.
8. While cauliflower bakes, heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat and quickly sauté minced garlic for 10-15 seconds until fragrant.
9. Pour in General Tso’s sauce and water, stirring to combine and create a smooth, glossy mixture.
10. Optional: Add sriracha sauce and rice vinegar to balance the sauce’s sweetness and introduce a subtle tangy note.
11. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water, then slowly incorporate into the simmering sauce to achieve desired thickness.
12. Simmer the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning and develop rich flavors.
13. Gently toss the crispy baked cauliflower in the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly and generously coated.
14. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
15. Serve immediately while the cauliflower remains crisp and the sauce is warm and inviting.

Notes

• Prep smart by setting up three separate coating stations for seamless breading process.
• Choose panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and superior texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Ensure cauliflower pieces are similar in size for even cooking and consistent crunchiness.
• Bake on a foil-lined tray to prevent sticking and make cleanup quick and easy.
• Allow cauliflower to cool slightly before tossing in sauce to maintain maximum crispiness.
• Customize heat level by adjusting sriracha amount or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 258 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg