Sesame Cauliflower

Ingredients

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sambal oelek
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Remaining Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• Peanut oil for frying
• 1 green bell pepper, but into chunks
• 1 sweet onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• white rice for serving
• green onions for garnish

Steps

1. 1

   In a bowl, mix together sambal oolek, vegetable broth, vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, sugar, and cornstarch.

2. 2

   Heat sesame oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic and cook 1 minute.

3. 3

   Add vegetable broth mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened. Keep warm.

4. 4

   Pour 2 inches peanut oil into a Dutch oven. Heat to 365 degrees.

5. 5

   In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, baking powder, and baking soda.

6. 6

   Whisk water and vegetable oil into flour mixture.

7. 7

   Add cauliflower to batter, coating well.

8. 8

   Fry about 5 to 6 pieces at a time, frying until golden brown on both sides. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

9. 9

   Once all cauliflower is fried, turn heat off and add onion and green pepper to oil. Let cook about 30 seconds and then remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.

10. 10

    Serve cauliflower over rice with green pepper and onions and drizzle with sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds just before serving