Craving something flavorful yet healthy? This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is the perfect dish. With a balance of sweetness from honey and a kick of heat from Sriracha, these cauliflower florets are baked to crispy perfection and then tossed in a sticky, mouthwatering sauce. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, this recipe is a sure hit for any occasion, and it’s gluten-free! Let’s jump into how to make this delightful recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- Cooking oil spray
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of sliced green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Sweet and Spicy Sticky Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the paper with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the cauliflower with a light coat of cooking oil and season with garlic salt, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the cauliflower to ensure even seasoning.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure all sides become crispy and golden. You want the cauliflower to have a nice roasted texture but still maintain a bit of crunch.
- Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan set over medium heat, mix together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), Sriracha, and hoisin sauce. Stir the ingredients together until well-mixed. In a small bowl, whisk the gluten-free flour (or cornstarch) with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then add this to the sauce mixture.
- Thicken the Sauce: Continue cooking the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens to a sticky consistency.
- Toss the Cauliflower in Sauce: When the cauliflower is done baking, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sweet and spicy sticky sauce over the baked cauliflower and gently toss to coat each floret in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the sauced cauliflower to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Conclusion:
This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is the perfect balance of flavors, offering both a satisfying crunch and a sticky, flavorful coating. It’s a guilt-free option for those looking to enjoy something delicious without all the extra calories. Whether you’re serving it as a snack or pairing it with rice for a light meal, this recipe will surely impress your taste buds with its vibrant, sweet, and spicy notes. Enjoy this healthy, flavorful dish that’s as easy to make as it is to devour!