🌟 Crispy Roasted Cauliflower – “Baked Cauliflower Tastes Better Than Meat!”
This easy and flavor-packed roasted cauliflower recipe brings a satisfying crunch, bold flavor, and a healthy twist that might just replace your meat cravings! The spicy-sweet glaze caramelizes in the oven, making every bite irresistibly crispy and delicious.
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
👨🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, Sriracha, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the cauliflower florets in the sauce until fully coated.
- Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet (don’t overcrowd).
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy at the edges.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish.
📝 Notes:
- For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Make it vegan by swapping honey with maple syrup or agave.
- Add sesame seeds, chopped parsley, or green onions for garnish.
💡 Tips:
- Use a convection oven or air fryer for even crispier texture.
- Ensure florets are evenly sized so they cook uniformly.
- Dry the cauliflower well after washing — moisture can prevent crisping.
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves: 3–4 as a side dish
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25–30 minutes
🔍 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
✅ Low-carb | ✅ Gluten-free | ✅ Dairy-free | ✅ Vegan-friendly (with honey substitute)
🌱 Health Benefits:
- Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting immune and digestive health.
- Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats.
- Sriracha stimulates metabolism and digestion.
- Low-calorie and satisfying, great for weight loss or healthy snacking.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A: Yes, but thaw and dry it thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: Mild to medium spicy. Adjust Sriracha to your taste — you can use smoked paprika instead for a milder version.
Q: Can I add breadcrumbs?
A: Absolutely! Toss florets in panko breadcrumbs after the sauce for extra crunch.
Q: How to store leftovers?
A: Keep in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.