Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower

Baked cauliflower is taken to a whole new level with this Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe. The tender, roasted florets are coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce that balances sweetness, heat, and umami in every bite. This dish is an excellent way to enjoy vegetables with a punch of bold flavors that satisfy even the most dedicated meat lovers.

The magic happens in the sticky sauce, where honey, garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, and hoisin come together to create a glaze that clings beautifully to each cauliflower floret. The slight crunch from sesame seeds and the freshness from sliced green onions add wonderful texture and brightness, rounding out the dish perfectly. A light spray of cooking oil and a sprinkle of garlic salt make sure the cauliflower roasts to golden perfection.

Ideal as a snack, side dish, or even a vegetarian main, this baked cauliflower recipe is versatile and easy to prepare. It’s naturally gluten-free when you use appropriate sauces and is a healthier alternative to fried versions without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet honey meets spicy sriracha and savory hoisin for a delicious glaze.
2. Easy to Make: Requires simple prep and comes together quickly in the oven.
3. Healthy and Flavorful: A guilt-free way to enjoy your veggies with bold taste.
4. Versatile Dish: Great as a snack, side, or vegetarian main.
5. Crispy and Sticky Texture: Roasted florets with a glossy, sticky sauce and crunchy sesame seeds.

Ingredients

• Large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• Cooking oil spray
• Garlic salt
• Salt and pepper
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Sweet and Spicy Sticky Sauce:

• Honey
• Minced garlic cloves
• Low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Sriracha
• Hoisin sauce
• Gluten-free flour or cornstarch

Variations

• Adjust the Heat: Add more or less sriracha depending on your spice preference.
• Make It Vegan: Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
• Add Crunch: Toss in chopped peanuts or cashews before serving.
• Swap Cauliflower: Try the sauce on roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
• Add Citrus: A squeeze of lime juice before serving adds a fresh zing.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking oil.

Step 2

Toss cauliflower florets with garlic salt, salt, and pepper, then spread evenly on the baking sheet.

Step 3

Roast cauliflower for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and tender.

Step 4

While cauliflower roasts, prepare the sticky sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), sriracha, and hoisin sauce.

Step 5

Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 6

Mix gluten-free flour or cornstarch with a small amount of water to make a slurry, then whisk into the simmering sauce.

Step 7

Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Remove sauce from heat and toss the roasted cauliflower in the sticky glaze until evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the glazed cauliflower to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; spread cauliflower in a single layer for even roasting.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
• Watch the sauce carefully as it thickens to avoid burning.
• Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
• For extra crispiness, broil cauliflower for 2-3 minutes before glazing.

How to Serve

• Serve hot as a flavorful side dish with rice or noodles.
• Pair with grilled chicken, tofu, or fish for a balanced meal.
• Use as a filling for wraps or tacos with fresh greens.
• Add extra green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
• Drizzle extra sauce on top for more flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover glazed cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. To restore crispiness, reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven for a few minutes.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen without sauce. Freeze roasted cauliflower in a single layer, then toss with sauce after thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Fresh is best for roasting, but frozen can work if thawed and patted dry first.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos and gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before tossing.

4. How spicy is the dish?

Moderately spicy; adjust the sriracha amount to your taste.

5. Can I bake the cauliflower longer for crispier results?

Yes, just keep an eye to avoid burning.

6. Can I substitute honey?

Maple syrup or agave work well for a vegan option.

7. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or snap peas work nicely.

8. How do I avoid soggy cauliflower?

Roast in a single layer with enough space between florets for air circulation.

9. Can I prepare this dish without oil spray?

Light oil helps roasting; you can toss cauliflower lightly in oil instead.

10. How do I store leftovers to maintain crispiness?

Store without sauce separately if possible, then toss with sauce when reheating.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a deliciously addictive way to enjoy vegetables. With a perfect balance of sticky sweetness and fiery spice, this dish satisfies cravings for bold flavors while keeping things healthy and simple. Whether served as a snack, side, or main, the tender roasted cauliflower coated in this glossy sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s an excellent recipe to add to your weekly meal plan.

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