Description
Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy side dish featuring tender cauliflower florets roasted to perfection and tossed in a tangy, honey-spiked hot sauce. This easy-to-make Asian-inspired recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it a delicious addition to any meal or a satisfying appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Sweet and Spicy Sauce
- ¼ cup hot sauce (such as sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Bake the cauliflower: Spread the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
- Make the sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the hot sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and soy sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss cauliflower with sauce: Once the cauliflower is done baking, transfer it to a large bowl and toss with the sweet and spicy sauce until evenly coated.
- Set the glaze: Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the glaze.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by using more or less hot sauce according to your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or can be served as a game day appetizer.
