Paleo Crispy Cauliflower Manchurian
Manchurian-style cauliflower is one of those dishes that feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy, with its sticky, glossy sauce and deeply savory-sweet flavor ā and this version pulls it off without a single grain or soy product in sight. The batter is built from cassava flour and arrowroot starch, which fry up into a genuinely crispy, golden shell that holds its crunch even after being tossed in sauce. Coconut aminos stand in for soy sauce and deliver that rich, umami depth you'd expect, while fresh ginger, garlic, and a hit of apple cider vinegar keep the sauce bright and layered. Honey rounds everything out with just enough sweetness to make each bite feel balanced rather than sharp. The carrot matchsticks and scallions add color and a little texture, making this feel like a complete, vibrant dish rather than a simple veggie side. It comes together in one skillet after the initial fry, so cleanup is minimal and the whole process is more approachable than it looks. Serve it immediately so the coating stays crisp and the sauce clings to every floret exactly the way it should.
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Learn more āIngredients
4 servings
For the battered cauliflower
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 lb), cut into 1 Ā½-inch florets
- ā cup cassava flour
- 3 tbsp arrowroot starch
- Ā½ tsp fine sea salt
- Ā½ tsp ground turmeric
- Ā½ tsp ground ginger
- ā cup water
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, for frying
For the sauce
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp arrowroot starch
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 4 scallions, white and light green parts thinly sliced, dark green tops reserved for garnish
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely minced
- 1 medium carrot, cut into thin matchsticks
For serving
- scallion dark green tops, thinly sliced (optional)
- fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, honey, 1 tsp arrowroot starch, and grated fresh ginger until the starch is fully dissolved. Set aside.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cassava flour, 3 tbsp arrowroot starch, salt, turmeric, and ground ginger. Add the water and stir until a thick, smooth batter forms ā it should cling to the back of a spoon without dripping off immediately. Add the cauliflower florets and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
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