5.0 from 12 votes
Vegetarian Firecracker Cauliflower
This vegetarian spin on firecracker take-out features crunchy baked cauliflower in place of chicken or shrimp. Serve over rice and drizzle with a sweet and spicy homemade chili sauce for a dish that rivals any restaurant.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 341 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
For the cauliflower:
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp milk
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp sweet paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large head cauliflower about 2 ½ pounds, cut into 1 ½- to 2-inch pieces
For the sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 ¼ tsp rice vinegar
- salt to taste
For serving:
- cooked rice
- green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and then set an oven-safe metal cooling rack inside the baking sheet. Spray the rack with an oil mister or cooking spray and set aside.
Cup of Yum
Make the cauliflower:
- Lightly beat the eggs and milk in a small bowl until combined.
- In a shallow dish, add the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Mix to combine.
- Working with a few pieces at a time, dip the cauliflower into the egg mixture, shake off the excess, then place in the breadcrumb mixture, tossing to coat.
- Place the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer (you can put them close together). Once all the cauliflower is coated, spray it lightly with oil.
- Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the coating is crispy and golden brown, and the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
Make the sauce:
- While the cauliflower is baking, make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha, garlic, vinegar, and salt. Taste and add additional sriracha for more heat, if desired.
- Divide the rice into bowls and top with with cauliflower. Drizzle the sauce over the cauliflower, and garnish with green onions. Serve with additional sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Calories
341kcal
(17%)
Carbohydrates
76g
(25%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
4g
(6%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
83mg
(28%)
Sodium
629mg
(26%)
Potassium
576mg
(16%)
Fiber
7g
(28%)
Sugar
39g
(78%)
Vitamin A
216IU
(4%)
Vitamin C
82mg
(91%)
Calcium
67mg
(7%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 341
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 341kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 76g | 25% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 83mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 629mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 576mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 39g | 78% |
| Vitamin A | 216IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 82mg | 91% |
| Calcium | 67mg | 7% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.