How to Make the Perfect Vegan General Tso Cauliflower
Chinese-American · Medium · 50 min · 4 servings
This Vegan General Tso Cauliflower is a plant-based twist on the beloved Chinese-American takeout classic featuring crispy cauliflower florets in a sweet, sticky, and spicy sauce. This vegan recipe delivers bold restaurant-quality flavors entirely from plant-based ingredients that will satisfy even the most devoted meat eaters.
Why this recipe works
This Vegan General Tso Cauliflower recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 0.5 cup cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili paste such as sambal oelek
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili paste, and minced garlic. Set aside. This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Step 2: Coat and Bake Cauliflower
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the cauliflower florets in a bowl with the cornstarch and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Spread on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Step 3: Cook the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into a small saucepan over medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes stirring constantly until it thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick add a tablespoon of water to loosen it.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Add the crispy baked cauliflower to the thickened sauce and toss until every piece is well coated. Serve immediately over steamed rice garnished with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- hoisin sauce → a mixture of miso paste and maple syrup for a similar savory-sweet depth
- cauliflower → extra-firm tofu cut into cubes for a different protein-rich plant-based option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not drying the cauliflower thoroughly before coating which prevents a crispy texture
- Adding the sauce too early before serving which makes the crispy coating become soggy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 8g protein, 45g carbs, 11g fat, 5g fiber.
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