Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower

Craving a flavor-packed side dish or snack that’s both nutritious and bold? This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower delivers crispy, caramelized edges with a sticky glaze that’s perfectly balanced between heat and sweetness. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that turns simple cauliflower into something totally crave-worthy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Glazed – Roasted to golden perfection with a sticky sweet-heat finish.
Easy Ingredients – Pantry staples come together for big flavor.
Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free – Suitable for a variety of diets.
Perfect Side or Snack – Great as a veggie main or appetizer.
Customizable Heat – Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional for extra kick)
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry, for thickening)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Lime wedges

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Spatula or tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cauliflower
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Roast the Cauliflower
Spread the coated cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and slightly crispy.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
While cauliflower is baking, combine honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Toss and Coat
Transfer roasted cauliflower to a mixing bowl.
Pour the sweet and spicy sauce over and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and roast for an additional 5–8 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side if desired.

Tips for Crispy and Flavorful Cauliflower
Dry Cauliflower Well – Moisture prevents crisping.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Space allows even browning.
Use Cornstarch – Helps create a crispy outer layer.
Caramelize the Sauce – A quick second bake makes all the difference.
Adjust the Heat – More or less sriracha depending on your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Rice or Quinoa – A hearty base for a balanced meal.
Lettuce Wraps – Spoon into leaves for a fun appetizer or snack.
Noodle Bowls – Add to soba or rice noodles with extra veggies.
Tacos – Stuff into tortillas with slaw and drizzle of creamy dressing.
Side to Grilled Protein – Complements chicken, tofu, or fish dishes.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes to re-crisp.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5–6 minutes.
Microwave: Quick but less crispy—1-minute intervals until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but thaw and dry it thoroughly before roasting to prevent sogginess.

2. Is this dish vegan?
Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey.

3. Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce or skip the sriracha and use more sweetener for a milder glaze.

4. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely—try bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for variety.

5. What’s a good dipping sauce?
Try garlic aioli, ranch, or a yogurt-based lemon herb dip for contrast.

Final Thoughts
Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower proves that vegetables can be the star of the show. With its crisp texture, sticky glaze, and irresistible flavor, this dish turns a simple veggie into something truly addictive. Serve it as a snack, side, or main—it’s guaranteed to be a hit every time.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 330mg

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