Description
Mexican-inspired sweet and spicy baked cauliflower brings zesty flavors to your table. Crispy florets coated in a tangy glaze offer a delightful balance of heat and sweetness you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 2 tbsps soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (for thickening)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsps chopped green onions
- 1 tsp extra red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Break cauliflower into uniform bite-sized florets, ensuring consistent roasting potential.
- Seasoning: Combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, thoroughly massaging the mixture into florets for complete flavor infusion.
- Roasting: Spread seasoned florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, roasting until golden-brown with caramelized edges and crispy exterior.
- Sauce Creation: Simultaneously whisk honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a simmering saucepan, developing a complex flavor profile.
- Sauce Refinement: Incorporate cornstarch slurry to transform the sauce into a glossy, clingy consistency perfect for coating roasted florets.
- Final Assembly: Gently toss crispy cauliflower in the vibrant sauce, ensuring each piece receives a luxurious glaze and maximum flavor coverage.
- Garnishing: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions, adding textural contrast and fresh aromatic notes.
- Serving: Present immediately while cauliflower remains hot and crisp, showcasing the sauce’s glossy, flavor-packed essence.
Notes
- Floret Uniformity: Cut cauliflower into consistent bite-sized pieces to ensure even roasting and crispy texture throughout.
- Seasoning Technique: Massage oil and spices thoroughly into cauliflower for maximum flavor penetration and complete coverage.
- Baking Sheet Strategy: Use parchment paper and spread florets in single layer to prevent steaming and promote golden-brown crispiness.
- Sauce Consistency Management: Whisk cornstarch slurry carefully to achieve glossy, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each cauliflower piece without becoming too thick or runny.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg