Sticky Sesame Cauliflower Over Zoodles

Cauliflower has become a very trendy vegetable because there is so much you can do with it! For this Instructable, cauliflower florets are substituted in this popular Asian dish for the chicken breast cubes! It is breaded and air fried and the texture turns out great! Also, I love substituting spiralized zucchini for rice or noodles in main dishes. A tasty sticky sesame sauce completes the dish. You won't miss the chicken or the rice when you prepare this quick and easy meatless meal. Follow along with this Instructable to see how you can make it!

Supplies

Cauliflower Nuggets

2 cups frozen cauliflower florets, thawed

1 large egg

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

no stick cooking spray

Sticky Sesame Sauce

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tablespoons minced garlic

1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 cup rice vinegar 

1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch 

1/4 cup water

Zoodles

1 medium zucchini

1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish

sesame seeds

scallion slices

Step 1: Tools Needed

air fryer

2 shallow dishes

small whisk

sharp knife

kitchen shears

9-inch skillet

slotted spoon

spiralizer

1-quart saucepan

spurtle or spoon

Step 2: Make the Flour Mixture

In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt and pepper.

Step 3: The Egg

Crack the egg into a shallow bowl. Beat well.

Step 4: Time to Coat

Coat the cauliflower in the beaten egg.

Step 5: Dredge It

Dredge the coated cauliflower in the flour mixture.

Step 6: Into the Air Fryer

Spray the air fryer basket with no-stick cooking spray. Add the coated cauliflower. Generously spray cauliflower with no-stick cooking spray.

Step 7: Now Air Fry

Close the air fryer. Set to air fry at 390 degrees F. for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Make the Sauce

While the cauliflower air fries, make the sauce. Add soy sauce and maple syrup to a 1-quart saucepan.

Step 9: The Garlic and Sesame Oil

Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and 1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil.

Step 10: The Ginger and Rice Vinegar

Add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/4 cup rice vinegar. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil.

Step 11: Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, whisk 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1/4 cup water until blended.

Step 12: Add It

Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Cook and stir until sauce thickens.

Step 13: Turn the Cauliflower

After 10 minutes, flip the cauliflower pieces over. Lightly spray with no stick cooking spray. Continue air frying at 390 degrees F. for 5 minutes.

Step 14: Make the Zoodles

Cut the ends off of the zucchini.

Step 15: Spiralize

Use a spiralizer to turn the zucchini into noodle shaped zoodles.

Step 16: Add the Oil

Place 1 tablespoon olive oil into a 9-inch skillet over medium heat.

Step 17: Add Zucchini

Add the zucchini zoodles to the oil in the pan. Stir fry for about 2 minutes until the zoodles start to soften.

Step 18: Time to Assemble

Place the zoodles onto each of 2 serving plates. Top with the air fried cauliflower. Spoon on the sauce.

Step 19: Garnish

Garnish each serving with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. It's amazing that you won't miss the chicken or the rice in this tasty meatless dish! Enjoy it with a loved one!