Easy Orange Cauliflower: Better Than Takeout

 Hey y'all and welcome to my West Virginia kitchen!  Looking for a crave-worthy vegetarian twist on your favorite takeout orange chicken?  This Easy Orange Cauliflower Recipe is your answer!

With crispy cauliflower bites tossed in sweet, tangy, and slightly sticky orange sauce, this dish is quick, budget friendly, and absolutely mouthwatering.  The best part?  It uses frozen cauliflower wings-no need to fuss with breading or frying because let's be honest, who has time for that anyway?  

Whether you're trying to sneak more veggies into dinner or simply want a lighter, plant-based alternative to takeout, this recipe will become your new weeknight favorite.

I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS EASY ORANGE CAULIFLOWER:

• Quick and Easy:  Ready in under 30 minutes using frozen cauliflower wings.
• Healthier Takeout Alternative:  No deep frying or heavy breading needed.  
• Customizable:  Add a pinch of red chili flakes for heat or swap the sweetener to your praference (brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, stevia, etc)
• Perfect for Meal Prep:  The sauce can be made ahead and reheated.  

INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED: 

• 2 (13.25 oz) bags of Frozen Cauliflower Wings (any flavor, sauce packets discarded)
• 1 cup Orange Juice
• 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
• 3 Tbsp Brown Sugar (honey or maple syrup)
• 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar ( or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger minced (you can use ground)
• 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp Water
• Optional:  Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes for heat

HOW TO MAKE ORANGE CAULIFLOWER:

1. Bake or Air Fry:  Cooke the frozen cauliflower wings according to package instructions until crispy.  (Oven or air fry both work great!)
2. Make Orange Sauce:  In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.  Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Thicken the Sauce:  Mix the cornstarch and water together to make a slurry.  Slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce until thick and glossy.  (Add red pepper flakes if you want a little kick!)
4. Toss and Serve:  Add the crispy cauliflower bites to the sauce and gently toss until coated.  Serve immediately.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH ORANGE CAULIFLOWER:

This dish pairs perfectly with:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice or Brown Rice
• Fried Rice or Vegetable Lo Mein
• Stir-Fried Broccoli or Snap Peas
• Asian-Style Slaw with sesame dressing
• Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls

TIPS & TRICKS:

• Want extra crispy cauliflower?  Air fry the cauliflower for the best texture.
• Make it Gluten-Free:  Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.  
• Meal Prep Tip:  Cook cauliflower and sauce separately, then toss just before serving to keep the cauliflower crisp.

FAQs:

Can I use fresh cauliflower?  

Yes!  Toss florets in a little cornstarch and bake or air fry until crispy. 

Can I double the sauce?  

Absolutely!  Double the sauce if you like extra for drizzling over rice.  

Can I make this ahead?

Yes.  The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.  

This dish proves that meatless meals can be just as delicious (if not more) than takeout.  The bright citrus flavor, slight sweetness, and kick of garlic and ginger create a sauce that's pure magic.  It's perfect for busy weeknights, Meatless Monday, or whenever you need a quick dinner that everyone will love.  

Don't forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with your foodie friends, trust me, they'll thank you!

Did you try this recipe?  Leave a comment and let me know how you served it.

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~.