Baked Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a delicious blend of sweet and heat, perfect for a flavorful and healthy side dish. The crispy roasted florets are coated in a sticky glaze that balances honey’s sweetness with sriracha’s bold kick. It’s an easy recipe that will become a fast favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets to ensure consistent cooking.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin until smooth and well combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the sweet and spicy glaze over the cauliflower, tossing to coat each floret evenly.
6. Step 6: Spread the coated cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the florets are not crowded.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through, until edges are crispy and the cauliflower is tender.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute with a milder chili sauce.
• Try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
• Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• To make it vegan, ensure your honey substitute (such as maple syrup) complements the glaze well.
• Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower is recommended for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture before coating to avoid sogginess.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe has a noticeable but balanced spiciness from the sriracha. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha depending on your preference.

Baked Cauliflower Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 218 reviews

This Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe features tender cauliflower florets tossed in a sweet and spicy glaze made from honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. Roasted to crispy perfection in the oven, it’s a flavorful and healthy side dish or snack that’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

Glaze

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh cilantro
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets to ensure consistent cooking. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are well coated.
2. Prepare the Sweet and Spicy Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin until smooth and well combined, creating a balanced and flavorful glaze.
3. Coat the Cauliflower: Pour the prepared sweet and spicy glaze over the cauliflower florets, tossing thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the sauce. Spread the coated cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the florets are not crowded to promote even roasting.
4. Bake the Cauliflower: Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through baking, flip the florets to achieve even crispiness on all sides. Continue baking until the edges are crispy and the cauliflower is tender.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked cauliflower from the oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro and sesame seeds over the top for added flavor and crunch. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this vibrant, sweet, and spicy dish.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, spread cauliflower florets in a single layer without crowding on the baking sheet.
• Adjust the amount of sriracha to control spiciness according to your preference.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
• This dish can be served as a side or as a healthy snack or appetizer.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: spicy baked cauliflower, baked cauliflower recipe, sweet and spicy cauliflower, healthy vegetable side, roasted cauliflower