Ingredients

For the Crispy Cauliflower

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp paprika

• 2 tsp salt

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp white pepper

• ¼ cup sparkling water

• ¼ cup water

• Oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Butter Sauce`

• 2–3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing garlic)

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp sriracha

• 1 tsp vinegar

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp chilli flakes

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp butter (additional)

• 1 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup water)

For Garnish & Serving

• Sesame seeds

• Chopped spring onions

• Steamed rice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

• Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower.

• Cut into evenly sized, bite-sized florets for even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Batter

• In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and white pepper.

• Gradually whisk in sparkling water and regular water to form a thick, smooth batter that coats the cauliflower well.

Step 3: Coat and Fry

• Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.

• Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off.

• Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per batch.

• Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towel.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Butter Sauce

• In a wide pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

• Add chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

• Stir in soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, chilli flakes, and garlic powder.

• Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter and honey, stirring until melted and combined.

• Pour in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Toss the Cauliflower

• Add the crispy fried cauliflower to the sauce.

• Toss gently until each piece is evenly coated in the honey butter glaze.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.

• Serve hot with steamed rice or enjoy on its own as a snack or starter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can I make this less spicy?
Yes. Reduce the sriracha and chilli flakes, and add a little extra honey for balance.

Q. Can I air-fry or bake the cauliflower?
For best results, frying gives the crispiest texture. If air-frying or baking, lightly oil the battered florets and cook until deeply golden before tossing in sauce.

Q. How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe fully vegan, replace the butter in the sauce with a good-quality plant-based butter or vegan margarine. Make sure the honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave syrup, and use a vegan-friendly soy sauce. The cauliflower batter and frying process are already vegan-friendly, so no other changes are needed.

Q. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sauce in advance and reheat gently before tossing with freshly fried cauliflower.