Description
This easy Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe transforms humble cauliflower into an incredibly crispy, flavor-packed dish that’s totally addictive and healthy, perfect as a quick side or a light main.
Ingredients
1 Large Head Cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
Cooking Oil Spray
1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon Green Onions, sliced
1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
For the Sweet and Spicy Sticky Sauce:
¼ Cup Honey
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
¼ Cup Low sodium soy sauce or coconut amino
1 tablespoon Sriracha
1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce
1 teaspoon Gluten-free flour or cornstarch
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This helps with even cooking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer onto the prepared baking tray. Spray them with cooking oil spray, then sprinkle with garlic salt, and salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to toss everything well to coat. You want every floret to be seasoned!
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Look for those nicely browned edges and tender-crisp texture. You’re aiming for beautiful caramelization.
Meanwhile, while your cauliflower is baking, combine all the sauce ingredients—honey, minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce (or coconut amino), sriracha, hoisin sauce, and gluten-free flour or cornstarch—into a small saucepan. Whisk everything until it’s super well incorporated and smooth.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently. The sauce will begin to thicken beautifully, usually in about 4-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
Remove the cauliflower from the oven once it’s finished baking and let it cool on the tray for a few minutes. This little rest can help it crisp up even more.
Pour the thickened sauce over the baked cauliflower. Toss gently until every single floret is fully coated in that irresistible sweet and spicy goodness.
Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, then serve immediately! Enjoy every bite of this glorious Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower!
Notes
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For crispy cauliflower, spread florets in a single layer. Use two trays if needed to prevent steaming.
Hot Oven is Your Friend: The 400°F temperature is crucial for caramelization. Don’t skip preheating.
Toss Well for Even Coating: Make sure every floret gets seasoned and then fully coated in the sauce.
Cook the Sauce Until Thick: Allow the sauce to simmer for 4-5 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon – this is key for that sticky glaze!
Serve Immediately: This dish is best fresh out of the oven.
Storing: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for 10-15 minutes to re-crisp. Avoid the microwave for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
Keywords: Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower, baked cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, sticky cauliflower, spicy cauliflower, healthy cauliflower, vegetarian side dish, easy cauliflower recipe, honey sriracha, Asian cauliflower, plant-based