This is the crispy battered vegetarian takeout copycat that even meat-eaters fight over. Crackly fried cauliflower florets tossed in a sweet-tangy-spicy garlic-ginger-soy sauce, finished with sesame seeds and green onions. Tastes exactly like General Tso's chicken from your favorite Chinese place. Thirty-five minutes, serves four, and it's vegan with the right substitutions.
Fun fact: General Tso's chicken was invented in 1955 by Taiwanese chef Peng Chang-kuei, named after a 19th-century Hunanese general. The dish didn't exist in China before that — it was created for Western palates. The cauliflower version emerged in the 2010s as plant-based eating went mainstream, and it became more popular than the chicken version among millennials by 2019.
Why this recipe works
- DOUBLE FRY = real crisp. First fry cooks the cauliflower through; second fry crisps the batter. Single-fried cauliflower goes soggy under sauce.
- CORNSTARCH IN BATTER. Cornstarch (not just flour) is what creates the crackly, almost-glass-like exterior of takeout-style fried foods.
- SAUCE OFF HEAT. Toss the fried cauliflower with sauce in the pan, off the heat, for 15 seconds max. Longer = sauce kills the crisp.
Nutrition information
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving (without rice)
- Protein: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sodium: 1,460 mg
Pro tips for the best general tso's cauliflower
- AIR FRYER version. Spray batter-coated florets with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 18 min, shaking halfway. Almost as crispy, way less oil. Toss in sauce same way.
- MAKE IT VEGAN. Skip the egg; use 1/4 cup cornstarch + 3 tbsp cold water as binder. Same crunch, no egg.
- SPICE LEVEL. 4 chilies = medium. Reduce to 2 for mild; add 1 tbsp sriracha for fire.
- ADD VEG. Stir in 1 cup blanched broccoli or sliced bell pepper with the sauce for a fuller plate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
No — too much water, won't crisp. Fresh only.
Where do I find dried red chilies?
Asian grocer (dried chile de árbol). Substitute: 1 tsp red pepper flakes.
How do I store leftovers?
Best same-day. Reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 5 min to re-crisp. Microwave makes them soggy.
Can I use rice flour?
Yes — sub the all-purpose flour for rice flour for an even crispier, gluten-free version.
What's hoisin sauce?
Sweet, thick Chinese fermented soy sauce. Found in any Asian aisle. No good substitute but oyster sauce + brown sugar gets close.
