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Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower

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Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a deliciously crispy and flavorful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of honey with a kick of heat from sriracha or chili flakes. This roasted cauliflower is perfectly seasoned, with the right balance of savory, sweet, and spicy, making it a standout dish that works as a snack, side, or even a meatless main course. It’s a healthy, simple, and quick recipe that’s packed with flavor and can easily be customized to your preferred spice level.

Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)

1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or chili paste, depending on your heat preference)

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Make sure they are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you want extra heat.
  4. Toss the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl and pour the sauce over them. Toss the cauliflower well to ensure all the florets are evenly coated in the sauce.
  5. Roast the Cauliflower: Spread the coated cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through the cooking time, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Once the cauliflower is roasted, remove it from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately as a side dish, appetizer, or snack.

Notes

Vegan Version: Use maple syrup in place of honey to make this dish vegan-friendly.

Spicy Kick: Increase the sriracha or chili paste if you love extra heat. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to kick up the spice level.

Crispy Cauliflower: For extra crispiness, toss the cauliflower with a tablespoon of cornstarch before coating it with the sauce.

Add Vegetables: This recipe works well with other vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or carrots. Simply roast them on the same baking sheet for a mixed veggie dish.

Add Nuts: For added texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews over the cauliflower before serving for a crunchy finish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/sweet-and-spicy-baked-cauliflower/