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sweet and spicy baked cauliflower - featured image

Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower

  • Author: Leana
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This sweet and spicy baked cauliflower is roasted to golden perfection and tossed in a sticky, tangy glaze for a bold, flavor-packed veggie dish. It’s quick, easy, naturally gluten-free, and can be made vegan—perfect as a side, appetizer, or main.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1–2 tablespoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • Scallions, sliced thin (for garnish, optional)
  • Sesame seeds, black or white (for garnish, optional)
  • Chopped cilantro (for garnish, optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Wash and dry the cauliflower. Cut into bite-sized florets, keeping them similar in size for even roasting.
  3. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. While the cauliflower roasts, whisk together soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup or honey, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
  6. Remove the cauliflower from the oven. Pour the glaze over the florets and toss to coat evenly.
  7. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized. Watch closely in the last 5 minutes to prevent burning.
  8. Let the cauliflower rest for 5 minutes to allow the glaze to thicken. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
  9. Serve hot. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

Notes

For extra crispiness, avoid crowding the pan and use fresh cauliflower if possible. Adjust the glaze to taste—more sriracha for heat, more maple for sweetness. Leftovers can be re-crisped in the oven or air fryer. Make it gluten-free with tamari and vegan with maple syrup. Try with other veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1 cup
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 7
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 5
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 3

Keywords: baked cauliflower, sweet and spicy, vegan, gluten-free, roasted vegetables, healthy side, easy recipe, plant-based, spicy cauliflower, Asian cauliflower

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Find it online: https://flavorlo.com/sweet-and-spicy-baked-cauliflower-recipe-easy-flavor-packed-veggie/