Description
A flavorful and healthy Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe featuring roasted cauliflower florets tossed in a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce made from honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. This Asian-inspired side dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or to serve alongside rice as a simple main. It is naturally gluten-free when using tamari and can be made vegetarian and vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, coat the cauliflower florets evenly with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the florets are golden and tender.
- Make the Sauce: While the cauliflower is roasting, combine honey (or maple syrup), sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Toss Cauliflower with Sauce: Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it back to the large bowl and toss thoroughly in the warm sweet and spicy sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Serve the baked cauliflower warm as a side dish or over rice for a simple and delicious main.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to increase or decrease the heat level according to your preference.
- For extra flavor and texture, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish naturally gluten-free.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey to make this dish vegan-friendly.
