Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Bites

Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Bites are one of those recipes that prove just how satisfying plant-based cooking can be. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sticky, tangy sauce, this dish delivers bold takeaway-style flavour using simple, everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that works equally well as a main dish with rice, a sharing platter, or a healthier alternative to classic sweet and sour dishes.

Cauliflower is incredibly versatile and acts as the perfect base here, soaking up the sweet, salty, and sour elements of the sauce while still holding its texture. The balance of ketchup, vinegar, and tamari creates that familiar sweet-and-sour flavour profile, while garlic and green onions add depth and freshness. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, entertaining guests, or just craving something comforting yet wholesome, these cauliflower bites tick all the boxes.

This recipe is gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs without sacrificing flavour or texture.

Ingredient Benefits

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is rich in fibre, which supports digestion and helps you feel full and satisfied. It’s also a good source of vitamin C for immune support and antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Its mild flavour makes it ideal for absorbing sauces and seasonings.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch helps create that light, crispy coating on the cauliflower. It’s naturally gluten free and allows for a crunchy texture without deep frying or heavy batters.

Ketchup

Ketchup provides natural sweetness and acidity, forming the base of the sweet and sour sauce. It contains lycopene from tomatoes, an antioxidant linked to heart health.

Sugar

Sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and saltiness of the tamari, creating the classic sweet-and-sour contrast that makes this dish so addictive.

Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar adds brightness and tang, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavour. It’s milder than many other vinegars, making it perfect for balanced sauces.

Tamari

Tamari brings savoury umami depth to the dish. It enhances flavour without overpowering and is typically gluten free, making it a great alternative to regular soy sauce.

Garlic

Garlic adds warmth and aromatic depth while also offering natural antibacterial properties. It’s known to support immune health and cardiovascular function.

Green Onions

Green onions provide freshness and a mild onion flavour that lifts the dish. They also contain antioxidants and small amounts of vitamin K and vitamin C.