Zesty Crispy General Tsos Cauliflower Recipe for Dinner Joy

When it comes to crispy General tso’s cauliflower, this plant-based twist on a classic takeout favorite will tantalize your taste buds with bold, vibrant flavors.

Tender cauliflower florets get coated in a perfectly crispy, golden-brown batter that delivers restaurant-quality crunch.

Each bite bursts with the signature sweet and spicy sauce that makes General tso’s so irresistible.

The secret lies in creating an ultra-light, airy coating that stays crisp even after saucing.

Baking instead of deep-frying keeps things lighter while maintaining maximum texture and taste.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing vegetarian dish that proves healthy eating can be seriously delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Crispy General Tso’s Cauliflower

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a light, crispy base layer that helps eggs and breadcrumbs stick perfectly to cauliflower.
• Eggs: Acts as a magical binding agent to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere seamlessly to each cauliflower piece.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior that transforms humble cauliflower into a golden, crispy delight.

• Sesame Oil: Infuses a nutty, rich aroma that elevates the entire dish with authentic Asian flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic kick that forms the flavor foundation of the General Tso's sauce.
• General Tso's Sauce: Delivers a classic sweet and tangy profile that makes this dish instantly recognizable.
• Water: Helps balance and thin the sauce for perfect coating consistency.

• Sriracha: Optional heat booster that brings a spicy dimension to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and helps balance the sauce's sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Creates a silky, glossy sauce texture that clings beautifully to crispy cauliflower.
• Scallions: Provides a fresh, sharp garnish that adds color and mild onion notes.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkles a nutty crunch and visual appeal to the final dish.

Gadgets You’ll Need for Crispy General Tso’s Cauliflower

• Baking Tray: Large sheet lined with aluminum foil for crispy cauliflower roasting.
• Mixing Bowls: Three separate bowls for flour, breadcrumbs, and egg coating.
• Whisk: For beating eggs smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients.
• Pan: Medium-sized skillet for preparing General Tso's sauce.
• Cutting Board: For chopping scallions and preparing cauliflower.
• Sharp Knife: To cut cauliflower into even pieces.
• Spatula or Tongs: For tossing cauliflower in sauce and transferring between dishes.

Cooking Instructions for Crispy General Tso’s Cauliflower

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Grab a baking tray and line it with aluminum foil, creating a smooth surface for your cauliflower adventure. Warm up the oven to a toasty 400°F, ensuring the perfect roasting environment.

• Coating Station Magic

Create three magical stations: one with seasoned flour, another with crunchy breadcrumbs, and the last with whisked eggs. This is where the transformation begins for your cauliflower pieces.

• Crispy Transformation

Carefully dance each cauliflower piece through the flour, giving it a light dusting. Next, take a quick dip in the egg bath, then roll luxuriously in breadcrumbs until completely covered. Arrange these golden nuggets on the prepared tray.

• Oven Roasting Perfection

Slide the tray into the heated oven and let the cauliflower bake until it reaches a beautiful golden-brown crispiness, typically taking about 20-25 minutes.

• Sauce Sensation

In a pan, warm sesame oil and quickly sauté garlic for a quick burst of flavor. Pour in the General Tso’s sauce, adding a splash of water to create a smooth consistency. Let the sauce simmer and develop its rich character.

• Flavor Balancing

Enhance the sauce with a touch of sriracha for heat and a hint of vinegar to create a perfect flavor harmony. Thicken the sauce slightly to ensure it clings beautifully to the crispy cauliflower.

• Final Flourish

Gently toss the roasted cauliflower in the glossy sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Sprinkle with fresh scallions and a scattering of sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality finish.

Crispy General Tso’s Cauliflower – Cooking Tips & Ideas

• Adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha, or swap with chili garlic sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Prepare the cauliflower and sauce separately, storing them in the refrigerator. Reheat and combine just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
• Transform this dish into a complete meal by adding tofu, chickpeas, or shredded chicken for extra protein and heartiness.
• Replace General Tso's sauce with teriyaki, Korean gochujang, or honey garlic sauce for an exciting flavor twist that keeps the meal interesting.

Presenting Crispy General Tso’s Cauliflower at the Table

• Serve Hot and Fresh: Enjoy the cauliflower immediately after coating with sauce for maximum crispiness and flavor intensity.
• Create a Complete Meal: Pair with steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious General Tso's sauce and add a satisfying base to the dish.
• Customize with Toppings: Sprinkle extra chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed red pepper flakes for added texture and personal flair.
• Make a Balanced Plate: Add a side of quick-pickled vegetables or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness of the crispy cauliflower and provide a refreshing contrast.

Keeping Crispy General Tso’s Cauliflower Fresh

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover cauliflower in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the crispy texture separate from sauce to maintain crunchiness.
• Reheat Strategically: Revive cold cauliflower by warming in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, which helps restore the original crispy exterior.
• Batch Prepare Ahead: Chop and bread cauliflower in advance, storing uncooked pieces in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meal preparation within 24 hours.
• Freeze for Future: Freeze unbaked breaded cauliflower pieces on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient meal planning up to one month in advance.

Spicy General Tsos Cauliflower Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy General Tso’s cauliflower delivers a plant-based twist on classic Chinese-American cuisine. Crispy battered florets glazed with sweet-tangy sauce offer a delightful alternative you can savor with steamed rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ large cauliflower head, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup flour
• ½ tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ cup Trader Joe’s General Tso’s sauce
• 1 ¼ cups water
• 2 tbsps water (for slurry)
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 ½ tsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 ½ tsp sriracha sauce
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper powder
• 1 tbsp chopped scallions/spring onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for effortless cleanup and crisp vegetable roasting.
2. Coating Technique: Establish three strategic stations – seasoned flour, breadcrumbs, and whisked eggs – for a perfectly textured cauliflower exterior.
3. Floret Transformation: Methodically coat each cauliflower piece by dredging in seasoned flour, then submerging in eggs, and finally rolling in breadcrumbs to create a robust, crunchy shell.
4. Baking Process: Strategically position breaded florets on the prepared sheet, maintaining spacing for optimal crispness, and roast for 22-26 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform golden coloration.
5. Sauce Preparation: Activate sesame oil in a skillet, rapidly sauté garlic, then integrate General Tso’s sauce, water, sriracha, and rice vinegar, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
6. Sauce Refinement: Develop sauce consistency by introducing a cornstarch slurry, simmering for 5-7 minutes while stirring continuously to prevent scorching and enhance depth of flavor.
7. Final Assembly: Tenderly enrobe the crispy cauliflower in the glossy sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage, then elegantly plate with scallion garnish and toasted sesame seeds.
8. Serving: Present immediately to maintain peak crispness and temperature, delivering a tantalizing culinary experience.

Notes

• Breading Technique: Carefully coat each floret in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness, ensuring no clumping or uneven coverage.
• Baking Placement: Space cauliflower pieces apart on the baking sheet to prevent steaming and maintain a crunchy exterior.
• Sauce Consistency: Slowly add cornstarch slurry and stir continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a glossy, smooth sauce texture.
• Serving Tip: Coat cauliflower with sauce just before serving to preserve the crispy texture and prevent sogginess.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg