Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe
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.
- 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
