Description
This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe features tender cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and sriracha, then baked to perfection. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a delicious plant-based dish that balances sweet and spicy flavors, perfect as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Seasonings
- 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 the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the cauliflower.
- Prepare cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Place them in a large bowl and spray lightly with cooking oil. Season with garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they begin to turn golden and tender.
- Make the sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, combine honey, minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos), sriracha, hoisin sauce, and gluten-free flour or cornstarch in a small saucepan. Whisk well to combine.
- Simmer sauce: Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it 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 and pour the prepared sauce over it. Gently toss until the cauliflower is fully coated with the sweet and spicy sauce.
- Final bake: Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for another 5-7 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and the cauliflower to become sticky and flavorful.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm as a flavorful appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha used.
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Serve with steamed rice or as a side to your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
