Description
This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe delivers a deliciously crispy and flavorful vegetable dish perfect for a healthy appetizer or side. Coated in a sticky, tangy sauce made with honey, garlic, and sriracha, and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s an easy and vibrant way to enjoy cauliflower.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- Cooking oil spray
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp gluten-free flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
Garnish
- 1 tbsp green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a baking sheet with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking. Rinse and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet.
- Season the Cauliflower: Lightly spray or toss the florets with cooking oil spray, then sprinkle with garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for consistent baking.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Place the baking sheet with cauliflower in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the florets are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Prepare the Sweet and Spicy Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine the honey, minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, sriracha, and hoisin sauce in a small bowl. Stir well to mix.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, dissolve the gluten-free flour or cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Add this to the sauce mixture and stir well.
- Cook the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Once the cauliflower is done baking, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the thickened sweet and spicy sauce over the hot cauliflower and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated cauliflower back to the baking sheet or a serving dish. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the cauliflower for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to your spice preference.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- This dish pairs well as a side with grilled meats or as a vegetarian main with rice or noodles.
