Craving something that’s both sweet and spicy, yet still healthy? This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe is the perfect solution. Coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce, these baked cauliflower florets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With a blend of honey, sriracha, and soy sauce, this dish delivers a punch of flavor that’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and can easily be made gluten-free, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 large cauliflower head, broken into small florets
- Cooking oil spray
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
For the Sweet and Spicy Sticky Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp gluten-free flour or cornstarch
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking oil spray.
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with garlic salt, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the florets with cooking oil spray.
2. Bake the Cauliflower:
- Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the florets are tender and starting to brown and crisp around the edges.
3. Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
- As the cauliflower bakes, get started on making the sauce.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce or coconut aminos, sriracha, and hoisin sauce. Stir well to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the gluten-free flour or cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the sauce, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
4. Coat the Cauliflower:
- Once the cauliflower is baked, remove it from the oven and transfer the florets to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sweet and spicy sauce over the cauliflower, tossing well to coat each floret evenly.
5. Bake Again (Optional for Extra Crispiness):
- For extra crispiness, return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes in the oven.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Serve the sweet and spicy baked cauliflower immediately as a tasty appetizer, side dish, or even a main course over steamed rice or quinoa.
Conclusion:
This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a deliciously addictive dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. The sticky sauce clings to the crispy cauliflower florets, creating a flavor explosion with every bite. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or part of a main course, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings in a healthy and flavorful way. Enjoy the bold flavors and crunchy texture of this easy-to-make vegan dish!