Description
Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a flavorful Asian-inspired side dish or appetizer featuring tender roasted cauliflower florets coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce made from honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness with minimal effort, making it an ideal vegetarian and gluten-free option that pairs well as a snack or alongside rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sriracha or other hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until each floret is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time, until they are tender and golden brown on the edges.
- Make the Sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, combine honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency.
- Toss Cauliflower with Sauce: Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm spicy-sweet sauce over the cauliflower and toss thoroughly until all pieces are well coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of sriracha used to fit your heat preference.
- Serve this dish as a snack, a side dish, or over rice or noodles to create a filling vegetarian meal.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
