Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe that combines roasted cauliflower with a sticky honey-sriracha glaze. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or a meatless main course, this dish offers a delicious balance of sweetness and heat with an Asian-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Seasoning
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Sweet and Spicy Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
Garnish (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the cauliflower florets evenly with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to ensure they are well-coated.
- Roast Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the florets are golden, tender, and have crispy edges.
- Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, combine honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat once thickened.
- Toss Cauliflower with Sauce: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a large bowl. Pour the warm sauce over the cauliflower and toss well to coat each piece evenly.
- Final Bake: Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a sticky and caramelized finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy as a side dish, appetizer, or over rice or noodles for a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.
- This dish works well as a side, appetizer, or a meatless main when served over rice or noodles.
- For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower for the final 2 minutes of baking.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free if desired.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
