Description
Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a deliciously healthy recipe combining tender roasted cauliflower with a flavorful marinade of olive oil, honey, soy sauce, and spices. This easy-to-make dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, making it a versatile side or main dish suitable for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Cauliflower and Base
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting the cauliflower to a crisp golden brown.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris, then cut into bite-sized florets about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
- Make Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey or maple syrup, soy sauce or tamari, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a smooth and flavorful marinade.
- Coat Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the marinade bowl and use your hands or a spoon to gently toss until every piece is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Marinate: Allow the cauliflower to sit in the marinade for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors thoroughly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Arrange Cauliflower: Spread the marinated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet for even roasting.
- Bake Cauliflower: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, toss or flip the florets to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Check for Doneness: Look for cauliflower pieces with golden brown, crispy edges. If needed, add an extra 5 minutes of baking to achieve desired crispiness.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and let it cool slightly. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve and Store: Serve warm as a side dish, appetizer, or main over rice or quinoa. Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
- Ensure cauliflower florets are cut uniformly to promote even roasting.
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Leftovers reheat best in the oven to retain crisp texture rather than in the microwave.
