Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower

Craving something crispy, flavorful, and plant-based? This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower delivers the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, wrapped in a golden, oven-baked coating. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or meatless main, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s healthy, satisfying, and totally addictive.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Healthier Alternative – Oven-baked instead of deep-fried.
Bold Flavor – A delicious mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
Crispy Texture – Thanks to a light batter and hot oven roasting.
Versatile Dish – Serve it over rice, in tacos, or as a party snack.
Vegan-Friendly – Naturally dairy-free and egg-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cauliflower:
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
¾ cup water
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
Cooking spray or oil for baking

For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp sriracha or hot chili sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)

For Garnish:
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced
Lime wedges (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowls
Whisk and measuring cups
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Small saucepan
Tongs or spatula
Serving platter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking oil.

Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add cauliflower florets and toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Coat with Panko
Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
Dip each battered cauliflower floret into the panko, pressing lightly to coat.
Arrange coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
Lightly spray the tops with oil.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Toss and Coat
Remove cauliflower from the oven.
Transfer to a large bowl and pour the hot sauce over.
Gently toss to coat all pieces evenly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving platter.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Serve with lime wedges if desired.

Tips for the Best Baked Cauliflower
Use Fresh Cauliflower – Frozen can get soggy.
Cut Uniform Pieces – Ensures even cooking and crispness.
Don’t Skip the Panko – It adds an irresistible crunch.
Bake on High Heat – This helps get the exterior golden and crisp.
Serve Immediately – Best when hot and crispy from the oven.

Serving Suggestions
With Rice – Spoon over jasmine or brown rice for a full meal.
In Wraps or Tacos – Load into warm tortillas with slaw and avocado.
Party Platter – Serve with toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
With a Side of Noodles – Drizzle extra sauce over stir-fried noodles.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended as texture may become soggy.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 375°F for 10–12 minutes to regain crispiness.
Air Fryer: A quick 4–5 minutes at 350°F works well.
Microwave: Fast but will soften the coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes! Use a gluten-free flour and panko alternative.
2. Is it too spicy for kids?
   You can reduce the sriracha or use a mild chili sauce.
3. What can I use instead of honey?
   Maple syrup or agave syrup are great substitutes.
4. Can I air fry the cauliflower?
   Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is the perfect way to add some bold flavor and crunch to your meatless meals. With its crispy coating and sticky-sweet glaze, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—what more could you ask for?

Try it out tonight and let this veggie dish take center stage!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 230 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 480mg

Print