Sesame Crusted Cauliflower

Does anyone else ever buy a cauliflower, thinking they’ll figure out what to do with it, but don’t? No? Just me? Regardless, I got you.

This recipe only takes one cauliflower head and a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your fridge or pantry. Serve it up with rice as a vegetarian dish, or as a side next to my healthier beef and broccoli recipe (coming soon!).

Sesame Crusted Cauliflower 🥢

Ingredients:

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, washed and chopped into florets

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1-2 tsp salt (to taste)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 3/4 cup milk or water (adjust as needed for batter consistency)

• 1-2 tsp gochujang (optional, for spice)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil @benissimooils

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for air frying

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp miso paste

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

• 3 tbsp coconut aminos

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 grated garlic clove

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. For the Cauliflower:

   1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and dry spices. Add milk or water gradually to the dry mixture, stirring and adjusting liquid amount until a smooth batter forms. Mix in the gochujang (if using) and 1 tbsp of sesame oil.

   2. Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until well coated. Coat with Panko, spray or drizzle with oil and air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

2. While the cauliflower is cooking, combine all the sauce ingredients and stir well until smooth and fully combined.

3. Once the cauliflower is crispy, remove it from the air fryer, pour, the prepared sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly. Return the coated cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to crisp up.

4. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the cauliflower and enjoy!

✨Cycle Syncing tip!✨

Cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables can be a good food to eat during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle because they contain key compounds which can help lower estrogen levels. The luteal phase is also when progesterone levels increase until your period starts. Sesame seeds are rich in zinc, are are a great way to help boost progesterone production.