Sweet and Savory Glazed Baked Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

Sweet and Savory Glazed Baked Cauliflower is a delightful side dish that combines tender roasted cauliflower with a rich, caramelized glaze. It’s easy to prepare and offers a perfect balance of flavors that will please both vegetable lovers and skeptics alike.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey if not strictly vegan)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder (or fresh ginger, grated)
• Optional: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Step 3: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and tender, turning halfway through cooking.
4. Step 4: While the cauliflower is roasting, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder in a small bowl until combined.
5. Step 5: Once the cauliflower is roasted, remove it from the oven and drizzle the glaze over the florets. Toss gently to coat evenly, then return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes.
6. Step 6: Once the glaze is caramelized and bubbly, remove the cauliflower from the oven, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if using, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Ensure your cauliflower florets are roughly the same size for even roasting.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this allows the cauliflower to roast rather than steam.
• If using fresh garlic and ginger, ensure they are finely minced or grated for the best flavor distribution.
• For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
• Try swapping apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover glazed cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain its texture and glaze.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and thoroughly pat dry to remove excess moisture before roasting to avoid sogginess.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

Coconut aminos are a great alternative for those avoiding soy or seeking a gluten-free option.

Sweet and Savory Glazed Baked Cauliflower Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 103 reviews

This Sweet and Savory Glazed Baked Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic vegetable side dish by roasting cauliflower florets to golden perfection and coating them with a flavorful glaze made from maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and ginger. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and umami, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for an added touch of texture and freshness.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey if not strictly vegan)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder (or fresh grated ginger)

Optional Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup to ensure the cauliflower doesn’t stick and you have an easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Cauliflower: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated, which helps them roast evenly and develop a nice golden color.
3. Roast Cauliflower: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet to avoid overcrowding which prevents steaming. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown, turning once halfway through cooking for even roasting.
4. Make the Glaze: While the cauliflower roasts, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder in a small bowl until fully combined to create the sweet and savory glaze.
5. Glaze and Return to Oven: After roasting, remove the cauliflower from the oven, drizzle the glaze over the florets, and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Return the cauliflower to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes so the glaze can caramelize and become bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the glazed cauliflower from the oven once caramelized, then sprinkle with optional sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

• Ensure cauliflower florets are similar in size to promote even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to allow proper roasting instead of steaming.
• If using fresh garlic and ginger instead of powder, finely mince or grate them for best flavor distribution.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
• Try rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar to vary the flavor.
• For gluten-free versions, substitute tamari for soy sauce.
• Frozen cauliflower can be used if thawed and patted dry completely before roasting.
• Coconut aminos is a good soy-free alternative to soy sauce.

Keywords: baked cauliflower, glazed cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, sweet and savory side dish, maple syrup glaze, healthy vegetable recipe, vegetarian side