Description
Crispy oven-roasted cauliflower bites tossed in a sticky-sweet and mildly spicy glaze. A plant-based appetizer, snack, or side that’s flavorful, customizable, and easy to make.
Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
2 tablespoons sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Toss the cauliflower florets into the batter until evenly coated and place them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp on the edges.
- While baking, combine maple syrup, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer the sauce, then stir in the cornstarch slurry if using, and cook until slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Toss the baked cauliflower with the sauce or drizzle it over before serving.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with sesame seeds or green onions.
Notes
Use tamari and maple syrup for a fully vegan and gluten-free version.
Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the batter for extra crispiness.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Thaw and dry frozen cauliflower well before using to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
