Name: Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets; Cooking oil spray; 1 tsp garlic salt; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp green onions, sliced (for garnish); 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish); 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)

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Introduction

I recently made this Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower for a weeknight dinner, and it quickly became a favorite in our household. The cauliflower was perfectly roasted with a crispy texture, and the sticky sweet and spicy sauce brought a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that elevated the dish. Even my kids, who aren’t usually huge fans of cauliflower, couldn’t get enough of it. The dish was so simple to make, yet packed with flavor. It’s an incredibly versatile recipe that works well as a snack, side dish, or even a main course for a plant-based meal. The balance between the sweetness of honey and the kick from sriracha makes this a dish everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

For the Cauliflower:

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
Cooking oil spray

1 tsp garlic salt
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp green onions, sliced (for garnish)

1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Sweet and Spicy Sticky 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

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Prepare the Cauliflower:

Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. This ensures even roasting and allows the sauce to coat every piece perfectly.

Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. The florets should not be overcrowded to ensure they crisp up nicely.
Spray the cauliflower lightly with cooking oil. You can also use olive oil or avocado oil if you prefer a more natural option.
Sprinkle the cauliflower with garlic salt, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss everything together with your hands to ensure the cauliflower is evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.

Bake the Cauliflower:

Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The edges should be golden brown and slightly crispy, which adds to the texture of the dish.
Shake or stir the cauliflower halfway through the baking process to ensure that all sides get evenly roasted.

Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:

While the cauliflower is baking, make the sweet and spicy sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option), sriracha, hoisin sauce, and your choice of gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk the sauce frequently. Continue to cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze. Be careful not to overcook, as the sauce can become too thick.

Coat the Cauliflower:

Once the cauliflower is finished baking and crispy, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Pour the sweet and spicy sauce over the roasted cauliflower and toss it gently to coat each floret. The sauce should coat the cauliflower beautifully, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze.

Serve:

Transfer the glazed cauliflower to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 1 cup)

Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 650mg

Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 5g

Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Note: These nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the exact ingredients and quantities used.

Preparation Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve:

As a Side Dish: Serve the Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken, fish, or a tofu stir-fry.
As a Snack or Appetizer: These crispy, sticky cauliflower bites are perfect for snacking or serving at a party. Just place them on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
Main Course (Plant-Based): Pair the cauliflower with a grain like quinoa, rice, or farro to make a hearty vegetarian or vegan meal.

With Dipping Sauces: Serve the cauliflower with additional dipping sauces like ranch dressing, extra hoisin sauce, or a creamy tahini sauce for a delicious contrast to the spiciness.

Additional Tips:

For Extra Crispy Cauliflower: If you prefer your cauliflower even crispier, try lightly coating it with cornstarch before roasting. This will give it an extra crunch!
Adjust the Spice Level: The level of heat can be customized by adjusting the amount of sriracha in the sauce. For a milder version, use just 1/2 tablespoon, or for more heat, go for a full tablespoon or more.

Vegan-Friendly: To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based honey alternative or maple syrup as a substitute for honey.
Make It Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when you use coconut aminos and cornstarch instead of regular soy sauce and flour.
Prep Ahead: The cauliflower can be roasted in advance and stored in the fridge. Simply heat it up in the oven or microwave and toss it with the sauce before serving.

Recipe Variations:

Maple Glazed Cauliflower: Replace the honey with maple syrup for a different type of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sriracha.
Crispy Cauliflower Bites with a Smoky Twist: Add smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke to the cauliflower seasoning before roasting for a smoky depth of flavor.
Peanut Butter Sauce Variation: Swap out the hoisin sauce for peanut butter in the sauce, adding a nutty twist that complements the heat of the sriracha.

Curry-Inspired Cauliflower: Add a teaspoon of curry powder or turmeric to the cauliflower before roasting for an Indian-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve alongside stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots to make a complete, balanced meal.
On Top of Rice or Noodles: Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.

With a Fresh Salad: The cauliflower would pair nicely with a crisp green salad, balancing the richness of the sticky sauce with the freshness of the greens.

Freezing and Storage:

Freezing: To freeze, spread the cooked and cooled cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to serve, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, then toss with the sauce.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the cauliflower in the oven for the best texture, or microwave it for a quicker option.

FAQ Section:

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
While fresh cauliflower is recommended for the best texture, frozen cauliflower can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and pat it dry before roasting to prevent sogginess.
Can I make this recipe without honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
How can I make the cauliflower extra crispy?
For crispier cauliflower, you can coat the florets lightly with cornstarch or bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use a combination of soy sauce, a bit of honey, and a dash of rice vinegar as a substitute.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the cauliflower in the oven to maintain its crispiness. Simply bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the cauliflower ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just toss it with the sauce before serving.

Can I use a different oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other cooking oil of your choice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is adjustable based on how much sriracha you add. For a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots to roast along with the cauliflower for a more substantial dish.

Conclusion:

This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The crispy, roasted cauliflower, paired with the sticky sweet and spicy sauce, is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you serve it as a side, snack, or main dish, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy cauliflower in a flavorful new way. It’s quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors—making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation!

Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower