Name: Amazing Sticky Honey Garlic Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); Sesame seeds, for garnish; Green onions, chopped, for garnish

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Introduction

Discover the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this Amazing Sticky Honey Garlic Cauliflower. Crispy roasted florets are coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce, making a deliciously addictive vegetarian dish that’s great as an appetizer or a side.

A white plate filled with many pieces of crispy cauliflower that are dark golden brown and glazed with a shiny sauce. The cauliflower pieces show textured surfaces, some with a bit of charring, giving a crunchy look. Bright green chopped scallions are scattered on top, along with white sesame seeds adding small specks of contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the close-up view highlights the rich colors and textures of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil on the prepared baking sheet. Spread them in a single layer.
Step 3: Roast the cauliflower for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly browned.
Step 4: While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 5: Heat the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it simmers and thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to a large bowl.
Step 7: Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the roasted cauliflower. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated and sticky.
Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, broil the coated cauliflower for 1-2 minutes after tossing in sauce, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
Add crushed peanuts or cashews on top for a crunchy texture.
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free alternative.

Storage

Store any leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a pile of crispy cauliflower pieces, each coated in a shiny, dark reddish-brown glaze. The cauliflower shows a textured surface with small, bumpy florets. Scattered over the top are small white sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions, providing contrast with bright green and white dots against the dark sauce. The dish is presented on a white marbled surface with soft natural light giving a warm, appetizing glow. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can adjust the heat level to your preference or omit them entirely for a mild dish.