Introduction

Discover a vibrant way to enjoy cauliflower with this sweet and spicy baked recipe. It combines a flavorful marinade with crispy roasted florets, making it a perfect healthy snack or side dish that’s sure to please your taste buds.

Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
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
Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Wash the cauliflower thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 3: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, honey or maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 5: Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined to create a smooth marinade.
Step 6: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the marinade.
Step 7: Use your hands to gently toss the cauliflower until all pieces are evenly coated.
Step 8: Let the cauliflower sit in the marinade for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 9: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 10: Spread the marinated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through for even cooking.
Step 12: Check for golden brown and crispy edges, adding an extra 5 minutes if necessary.
Step 13: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 14: Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions if desired.
Step 15: Serve warm as a side dish, appetizer, or main dish over rice or quinoa.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.
For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
Try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice after baking for a bright, tangy flavor.
Serve with a side of yogurt or tahini sauce to balance the heat.

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the edges crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower works best for roasting as frozen tends to release water and can become soggy. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and dry it thoroughly before marinating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, this recipe is gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe

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4.6 from 134 reviews

Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a deliciously healthy recipe featuring tender cauliflower florets marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, honey, soy sauce, and spices, then oven-baked to golden perfection. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, making it a versatile side, appetizer, or main when served over grains like rice or quinoa.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower and Marinade

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
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 prepare for baking the cauliflower to crispy, golden edges.
Prepare Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt, then cut into bite-sized florets about 1 to 1.5 inches wide for even cooking.
Make Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients well until you form a smooth and well-integrated marinade.
Coat Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the marinade bowl. Using your hands or a spoon, gently toss the florets to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
Marinate: Let the coated cauliflower sit in the marinade for 10-15 minutes to absorb all the flavors thoroughly.
Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and facilitate clean-up.
Arrange Cauliflower: Spread the marinated cauliflower florets out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space and are not overcrowded to promote even roasting.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through baking, toss the cauliflower to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
Check Doneness: Look for golden brown edges that are slightly crispy. If needed, bake an additional 5 minutes until desired crispness is achieved.
Cool: Remove the baked cauliflower from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set the flavors and make handling easier.
Serve & Garnish: Transfer the cauliflower to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
Storage: Allow any leftovers to cool completely then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

You can substitute honey with maple syrup to make this recipe vegan.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level to your preference.
Ensure cauliflower florets are spread out in a single layer for even roasting and crispy texture.
Leftover cauliflower can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Keywords: baked cauliflower, spicy cauliflower, healthy cauliflower recipe, roasted cauliflower, sweet spicy cauliflower, vegetarian side dish