Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Flavor-Packed: Sweet honey and spicy chili or sriracha create a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
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Crispy & Tender: Roasted cauliflower with crispy edges and tender centers.
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Healthy & Low-Calorie: Full of nutrients, low in calories, and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
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1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
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2 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
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2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan version)
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1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
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1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 tsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp sesame oil
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½ tsp grated ginger (optional)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare the Cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
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Roast: Spread cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Make the Sauce: Whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger.
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Coat the Cauliflower: Drizzle the sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
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Garnish & Serve: Top with sesame seeds and cilantro. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Version: Add more sriracha or chili sauce.
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Vegan: Use maple syrup for a vegan version.
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce.
Storage
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To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy dish, perfect for a snack, side, or meal. With a balance of sweet and spicy notes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavor!

Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Snack Method: Roasting
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Fusion, Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower combines crispy roasted cauliflower with a glaze of sweet honey and spicy sriracha, creating a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. A healthy, low-calorie dish that’s perfect as a side, snack, or meal prep option.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan version)
1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp grated ginger (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the Cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
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Roast: Spread cauliflower evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even roasting.
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Make the Sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
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Coat the Cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is roasted, drizzle the sauce over it and toss gently to coat evenly. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the edges are crispy and caramelized.
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Garnish & Serve: Top with sesame seeds and cilantro. Serve hot.
Notes
Spicy Version: Add more sriracha or chili garlic sauce for an extra kick.
Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based version.
Gluten-Free: Ensure the soy sauce is swapped for tamari to make it gluten-free.