Roasted Honey Garlic Cauliflower is a delicious and flavorful side dish that's simple to make and full of savory-sweet goodness. The honey and garlic glaze gives the cauliflower a crispy, caramelized texture on the outside while keeping it tender on the inside. It's a perfect vegetable side dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Here’s a straightforward recipe for Roasted Honey Garlic Cauliflower:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Make sure they’re roughly the same size to ensure even roasting.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and red pepper flakes (if using). Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by adding more honey or soy sauce, if desired.
4. Coat the Cauliflower:
- Place the cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the cauliflower and toss until all the florets are evenly coated.
5. Roast the Cauliflower:
- Spread the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Try to ensure that the florets aren’t overcrowded, as this helps them roast and caramelize evenly.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy on the edges. You can flip the florets halfway through cooking for even browning.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the cauliflower is done, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
7. Serve:
- Serve the roasted honey garlic cauliflower as a side dish with your favorite main course, or enjoy it as a healthy snack!
Tips:
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can add more honey. For a savory version, you can skip the honey and use more soy sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Add extra veggies: You can add other vegetables to the roasting pan, such as carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts, for a more colorful and diverse side dish.
- Make it spicy: If you like spicy food, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or drizzle the finished dish with a bit of hot sauce.
This Roasted Honey Garlic Cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy side dish that's sure to please both vegetable lovers and skeptics alike. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, chicken, or as part of a vegetarian meal. Enjoy!