Description
Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy side dish featuring tender roasted cauliflower florets coated in a deliciously sticky sauce made from honey, sriracha, and soy sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or vegetarian main over rice or noodles, this Asian-inspired recipe combines a balance of sweet heat and smoky spices for a satisfying veggie treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Seasoning
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sweet and Spicy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prep the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The cauliflower should be golden and tender by the end.
- Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, combine honey (or maple syrup), sriracha, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Cauliflower with Sauce: Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and place it in a large bowl. Pour the thickened sweet and spicy sauce over the top and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve: Serve the cauliflower warm. For extra flair, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully as a side, snack, or vegetarian main dish over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra crunchy cauliflower, extend the roasting time slightly before adding the sauce.
- This dish works well as a versatile snack, appetizer, or side dish.
- Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha or hot sauce.
