If you’re looking for a tasty, healthy side dish or snack that’s bursting with bold flavors, this Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is sure to impress. Roasted to perfection and coated in a deliciously sticky sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and sriracha, this dish is a wonderful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. It’s easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and packed with nutrients. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course for a light meal, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for both casual gatherings and weeknight dinners!
Ingredients:
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 large cauliflower head, separated into small bite-sized florets
- Cooking oil spray
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of sliced green onions, to use as a garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Sweet and Spicy Sticky Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a soy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free flour (or cornstarch)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to simplify cleanup.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Lightly spray them with cooking oil, then sprinkle with garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the florets until they are fully coated with the spices.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and lightly browned around the edges, flipping once halfway through the baking time.
- Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, and hoisin sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the gluten-free flour or cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is done baking, transfer the florets back into the large mixing bowl. Pour the thickened sweet and spicy sauce over the cauliflower and toss well to coat each piece evenly.
- Bake Again: Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is sticky and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately and enjoy this deliciously sweet and spicy cauliflower as a side dish, appetizer, or light main course!
Conclusion:
This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables in a flavorful, satisfying way. The combination of roasted cauliflower and the sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce makes it irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a side, an appetizer, or even a meatless main, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, plant-based option.
Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower: A Flavor-Packed Vegan Delight
Crispy baked cauliflower florets tossed in asweet and spicy sticky sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds fora flavorful, vegan-friendly dish.
Ingredients
- For the Cauliflower:
- 1 large cauliflower head separated into small bite-sized florets
- Cooking oil spray
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of sliced green onions to use as a garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
- For the Sweet and Spicy Sticky Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for a soy-free option
- 1 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free flour or cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to simplify cleanup.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Lightly spray them with cooking oil, then sprinkle with garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the florets until they are fully coated with the spices.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and lightly browned around the edges, flipping once halfway through the baking time.
- Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, and hoisin sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the gluten-free flour or cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is done baking, transfer the florets back into the large mixing bowl. Pour the thickened sweet and spicy sauce over the cauliflower and toss well to coat each piece evenly.
- Bake Again: Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is sticky and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately and enjoy this deliciously sweet and spicy cauliflower as a side dish, appetizer, or light main course!