This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower offers a delightful combination of flavors, making it a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish. The crispy cauliflower bites are tossed in a sticky sauce that’s both sweet and fiery, guaranteed to please your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized 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 amino
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp gluten-free flour or cornstarch
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Place the cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking oil spray and season with garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake the Cauliflower:
- Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Toss halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Sauce:
- While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, Sriracha, and hoisin sauce. Bring the mixture to a slight simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Dissolve the gluten-free flour or cornstarch in a small amount of water to make a slurry. Add this to the saucepan and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce:
- Once the cauliflower is done, remove it from the oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared sweet and spicy sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Serve:
- Transfer the coated cauliflower to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Optional Garnishing:
- For added color and flavor, you can also add some chopped cilantro or additional red pepper flakes for more heat.
Tips:
- Even Coating: Make sure each cauliflower floret is well-coated with oil and seasonings before baking for the best flavor and texture.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by varying the amount of flour or cornstarch according to your preference.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve this dish immediately to enjoy the cauliflower while it’s still crispy. It pairs well with rice or can be enjoyed on its own.
Conclusion:
Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a delightful dish that’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavors that range from sweet honey to spicy Sriracha. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat balanced by sweetness, making it a popular choice for various occasions. Enjoy this vegan-friendly and gluten-free option as a wonderful alternative to heavier fried appetizers!