Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe is a flavorful and healthy way to enjoy a classic vegetable. With a deliciously sticky marinade and a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, it’s an easy dish that works well as a side or a snack.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Step 2: Wash the cauliflower thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Step 3: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, honey or maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Step 5: Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined to create a smooth marinade.
6. Step 6: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the marinade.
7. Step 7: Use your hands to gently toss the cauliflower until all pieces are evenly coated.
8. Step 8: Let the cauliflower sit in the marinade for 10-15 minutes.
9. Step 9: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
10. Step 10: Spread the marinated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
11. Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through for even cooking.
12. Step 12: Check for golden brown and crispy edges, adding an extra 5 minutes if necessary.
13. Step 13: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
14. Step 14: Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions if desired.
15. Step 15: Serve warm as a side dish, appetizer, or main dish over rice or quinoa.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level to your preference.
• For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
• To add more texture, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts on top before serving.
• Try adding a splash of lime juice to the marinade for a fresh tangy twist.
• Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free.

Storage

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness, or microwave for a quicker option though it may be less crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh cauliflower for this recipe to ensure the florets stay crispy and don’t release too much moisture during baking.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level comes from the sriracha sauce, which you can adjust to your taste. Use less for a mild flavor or more if you prefer it spicy.

Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 60 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe offers a flavorful, healthy twist on a classic vegetable side dish. Tender cauliflower florets are coated in a vibrant marinade combining honey, soy sauce, and spicy sriracha, then perfectly baked to crispy, caramelized edges. Garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions, this versatile dish works wonderfully as a side, appetizer, or even a main when served over grains.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets

Marinade

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting the cauliflower to golden perfection.
2. Prepare the cauliflower: Thoroughly wash the cauliflower under cold running water to remove any dirt. Cut it into bite-sized florets approximately 1 to 1.5 inches wide to ensure even cooking.
3. Make the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, honey or maple syrup, soy sauce or tamari, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until the marinade is smooth and well blended.
4. Coat the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss using your hands or utensils to evenly coat each floret with the flavorful mixture.
5. Marinate: Let the coated cauliflower sit in the marinade for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors infuse well.
6. Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even roasting.
7. Arrange the cauliflower: Spread the marinated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly and get crispy edges.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Toss the cauliflower halfway through cooking to ensure all sides crisp up evenly.
9. Check for doneness: Look for florets with golden brown and crispy edges; if needed, bake for an additional 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
10. Cool and garnish: Remove from the oven and allow the cauliflower to cool slightly. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or sliced green onions if desired.
11. Serve: Enjoy warm as a delicious side dish, a flavorful appetizer, or over rice or quinoa as a main meal.
12. Store leftovers: Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spiciness according to your preference.
• You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
• Using tamari instead of soy sauce makes the recipe gluten-free.
• For extra crispy edges, broil the cauliflower for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• This dish pairs well with grains like quinoa or brown rice to make it a complete meal.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked cauliflower, spicy cauliflower, healthy cauliflower recipe, roasted cauliflower, vegetarian side dish, gluten-free, vegan option, spicy baked vegetables