Description

Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a delicious vegetarian and gluten-free appetizer or side dish featuring crispy roasted cauliflower florets tossed in a flavorful homemade honey-sriracha glaze. This easy-to-make recipe combines the natural sweetness of honey with the kick of sriracha, finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for a fresh, crunchy garnish. Perfect for serving alongside rice or noodles, it’s a healthy and satisfying addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce

3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons sriracha or hot chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

Garnish

1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon chopped green onions

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Instructions

Prepare Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
Bake Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
Make Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture starts to simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Remove the baked cauliflower from the oven and transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the thickened sauce over the cauliflower and toss well to ensure every floret is evenly coated.
Bake Again: Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the glaze and enhance the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the cauliflower with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm as a flavorful appetizer or side dish paired nicely with rice or noodles.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha according to taste.
For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari to avoid gluten.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion