Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe
Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy dish featuring tender roasted cauliflower florets coated in a delightful glaze made from honey, sriracha, and soy sauce. Perfect as a side or a snack, it balances natural sweetness with a spicy kick and umami depth, finished with optional fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for an extra burst of freshness and texture.
- Author: lucas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Asian-inspired)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sweet and Spicy Glaze
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes (optional)
- Fresh cilantro
- Sesame seeds
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets to ensure consistent cooking. In a large bowl, toss the florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Prepare the Sweet and Spicy Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a balanced sweet and spicy glaze.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Pour the prepared glaze over the cauliflower florets and toss them thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the sauce. Spread the coated cauliflower in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, making sure the florets are not overcrowded to allow for even roasting.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the cauliflower for 20-25 minutes. Flip the florets halfway through baking to promote even browning and crispiness, until the cauliflower edges become golden and crispy while the florets are tender inside.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked cauliflower from the oven and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and taste.
Notes
- For milder heat, reduce the amount of sriracha sauce or substitute with a milder chili sauce.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to reduce the salt content.
- Ensure cauliflower florets are similar in size for even roasting.
- This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile appetizer or side dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: baked cauliflower, spicy cauliflower, sweet and spicy cauliflower, healthy side dish, roasted vegetables, honey sriracha cauliflower