Introduction

Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy dish that’s perfect as a side or a main when paired with grains. This recipe blends a delicious marinade with the natural crispiness of roasted cauliflower for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

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

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

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, spread the florets out well to avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet.
Adjust the sriracha amount to control the heat level to your liking.
Try swapping honey with maple syrup to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice after baking for a bright, tangy finish.

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 or a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Microwave reheating may result in softer texture.

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 roasting to achieve the right texture and crispness. Frozen cauliflower tends to release water and may become mushy when baked.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, this recipe is gluten-free. Otherwise, regular soy sauce contains gluten.

Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 136 reviews

Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy dish featuring cauliflower florets marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then baked to crispy perfection. This recipe is easy to prepare and makes a perfect side dish, appetizer, or a main course served over grains, combining the richness of honey and soy with a spicy kick from sriracha and aromatic spices.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

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 (Optional)

Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the cauliflower to achieve a crispy texture.
Prepare Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Cut it into bite-sized florets about 1 to 1.5 inches wide for even cooking.
Make Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 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 until fully combined.
Coat Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and gently toss with your hands until all pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
Marinate: Allow the cauliflower to sit in the marinade for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavorful sauce.
Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease clean-up.
Arrange Cauliflower: Spread the marinated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, tossing the florets halfway through to promote even cooking and browning.
Check and Finish Baking: Look for golden brown and crispy edges on the cauliflower. If not fully crispy, add an extra 5 minutes of baking.
Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven, let the cauliflower cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions if desired.
Serve: Serve warm as a side dish, appetizer, or main dish over rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal.
Store Leftovers: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
Using tamari instead of soy sauce makes this recipe gluten-free.
For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure the cauliflower roasts evenly and crisps up nicely.
This dish reheats well in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Keywords: baked cauliflower, sweet spicy cauliflower, healthy cauliflower recipe, roasted cauliflower, gluten-free side dish, vegetarian cauliflower recipe