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crispy sweet and spicy baked cauliflower - featured image

Crispy Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower with Sesame Seeds

  • Author: Lena
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick and easy baked cauliflower snack that is crispy on the outside with a sweet and spicy glaze, topped with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. Perfect as a snack or appetizer that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (white or black)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower, then cut into bite-sized florets.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and water until smooth and slightly thickened. Add salt and black pepper.
  4. Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and stir gently until each piece is evenly coated.
  5. Spread the battered cauliflower in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, avoiding crowding.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through (after 10 minutes) to brown evenly.
  7. While baking, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and garlic powder to make the glaze.
  8. Remove the baking sheet and brush or toss the cauliflower with the sweet and spicy glaze.
  9. Return to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning and to allow caramelization.
  10. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  11. Once out of the oven, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the cauliflower.
  12. Serve warm.

Notes

Pat cauliflower dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to avoid steaming. Apply glaze near the end of baking to prevent burning. Toast sesame seeds just before serving for best flavor. Glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1 cup of baked
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 7
  • Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 3

Keywords: baked cauliflower, crispy cauliflower, sweet and spicy snack, sesame seeds, healthy snack, vegetarian, gluten-free option, vegan option

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Find it online: https://neurioxdesign.com/crispy-sweet-and-spicy-baked-cauliflower-recipe-easy-perfect-snack-with-sesame-seeds/