Honey chilli cauliflower is crisp batter-fried cauliflower tossed in a sticky, sweet-hot sauce. It is an Indo-Chinese style appetizer that disappears quickly at parties. This recipe serves 4 as a starter.
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Serves: 4
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- About 1/2 cup cold water
- Oil for frying
Sauce
- 1 tbsp oil
- 4 garlic cloves and 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 spring onions (white parts), chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp chili sauce or sriracha
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar and 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Sesame seeds and spring onion greens to garnish
Method
- Whisk the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper and garlic powder with water into a thin batter that coats a spoon.
- Dip florets and fry at 175 C (350 F) for 4 to 5 minutes until golden. Drain, then fry again for 1 minute for extra crunch.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wide pan. Cook the garlic, ginger and spring onion whites for 1 minute.
- Add the soy, chili sauce, honey, vinegar and ketchup. Simmer 1 minute, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Toss the cauliflower in the sauce for 30 seconds. Garnish and serve immediately.
Tips
- Serve right away. The coating softens as it sits in the sauce.
- Adjust heat with more chili sauce, or add fresh green chili.
- To bake, toss the battered florets in oil and bake at 220 C (425 F) for 25 minutes.
Order it
Honey Chilli Cauliflower is a must-try appetizer at Aldergrove Indian Bistro, alongside Gobhi Manchurian and Chilli Gobhi. Add Indo-Chinese starters to your event menu through our catering page.
FAQ
Is it vegetarian? Yes, though check the sauces if you are vegan, because honey is not vegan.
Can I use an air fryer? Yes. Spray battered florets and air fry at 200 C (400 F) for 15 minutes.