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Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower

This Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a game-changer for anyone looking for a flavorful, vegetarian side dish or appetizer that doesn't sacrifice taste for health. It combines the perfect balance of heat and sweetness with a sticky sauce that makes every bite absolutely irresistible.
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Cook Time 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Calories: 152
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Large Head Cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
  • Cooking Oil Spray
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Green Onions sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
  • 1/4 Cup Honey or maple syrup for a vegan option
  • 2 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 1/4 Cup Low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Gluten-free flour or cornstarch

Equipment

  • Large Baking Tray
  • Parchment Paper
  • Small Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a large baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer onto the prepared baking tray and spray them generously with cooking oil spray.
    1 Large Head Cauliflower, Cooking Oil Spray
  3. Sprinkle the florets with garlic salt, salt, and pepper, then use your hands to toss them thoroughly until every piece is coated.
    1 teaspoon Garlic Salt, Salt and pepper
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower starts to turn golden brown on the edges.
  5. While the cauliflower is roasting, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch in a small saucepan.
    1/4 Cup Honey, 2 Garlic Cloves, 1/4 Cup Low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Sriracha, 1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce, 1 teaspoon Gluten-free flour
  6. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk frequently for about 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze.
  7. Once the cauliflower is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes.
  8. Pour the thickened sauce over the cauliflower and toss until fully coated, then garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
    1 tablespoon Green Onions, 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds

Notes

To get the best results with your Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower, ensure you cut the florets into even sizes so they cook at the same rate. If you find your cauliflower isn't getting as crispy as you like in the oven, try not to overcrowd the pan; air needs to circulate around each floret to create those browned edges.