Description
This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe offers a deliciously healthy twist on a classic favorite. Cauliflower florets are baked to perfection and tossed in a flavorful sauce made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, sriracha, and hoisin sauce, creating an irresistible balance of sweetness and heat. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish makes an excellent appetizer or a flavorful side.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 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)
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)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a baking sheet lightly with cooking oil. Arrange the cauliflower florets on the sheet in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
- Season and bake the cauliflower: Lightly spray the cauliflower with cooking oil spray, then sprinkle the garlic salt, salt, and pepper evenly over the florets. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender.
- Make the sweet and spicy sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine the honey, minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, sriracha, hoisin sauce, and gluten-free flour or cornstarch in a small saucepan. Whisk together and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Toss cauliflower in sauce: Once the cauliflower is baked, transfer the florets to a mixing bowl and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly with the sticky sweet and spicy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the coated cauliflower to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the cauliflower for 2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- This dish can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even tossed into a grain bowl for a fuller meal.
- You can adjust the amount of sriracha depending on how spicy you prefer the dish.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep this recipe gluten free.
- If you want a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
