Honey Garlic Baked Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cauliflower
cut into bite sized florets
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs)
(see note
- cooking oil spray
- 2 large eggs
whisked
- 2 scallions
finely sliced
- 6 tbsp honey
- 4 garlic cloves
minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 6 tbsp water + 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp sriracha sauce
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread panko crumbs in a thin even layer across the surface of the baking sheet. Spray panko crumbs with cooking oil spray. Bake crumbs about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
- 2
Set whisked eggs aside in a small bowl. Line another large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 3
Dip cauliflower in egg mixture and then shake a few times so that excess egg drips off. You don't want to dampen your breadcrumbs with excess egg because then they won't stick to the cauliflower. Then place into sheet with panko crumbs. Cover cauliflower with panko, pressing the crumbs gently against the cauliflower to help them stick. Place coated cauliflower on empty prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all cauliflower is coated.
- 4
Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until cauliflower is cooked and the coating is a dark golden brown.
- 5
While the cauliflower is cooking, make sauce on the stove. In a small bowl, completely dissolve cornstarch in water and set aside.
- 6
Add all sauce ingredients except the cornstarch + water to a small pot or saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir a few times until ingredients are mixed. This should only take a few seconds. Then add cornstarch water to the sauce. Stir immediately to dissolve cornstarch into the sauce. Stir occasionally and let sauce come to a simmer (make sure to stir otherwise the cornstarch will clump up) and cook until sauce starts to thicken (about 2 minutes).
- 7
Allow sauce to cool a few minutes and thicken even more. Drizzle over cauliflower. If you wish to completely coat cauliflower in sauce, it's best to double the sauce and brush it on with a pastry brush. Garnish with scallions.
Honey Garlic Baked Cauliflower
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 7 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a flavorful side dish or a satisfying snack that's both savory and a little sweet? This Honey Garlic Baked Cauliflower recipe transforms simple florets into a standout accompaniment, perfect for any weeknight meal.
The brilliance of this dish lies in the seamless combination of textures and tastes. By coating the cauliflower in panko bread crumbs before baking, you achieve an exceptional crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior of the florets. This crisp foundation is then perfectly complemented by a rich, glossy sauce featuring the beloved duo of honey and garlic, balanced by savory low sodium soy sauce and a subtle hint of heat from sriracha. It’s a balanced flavor profile that hits all the right notes.
You can anticipate a truly satisfying culinary experience. Each piece of baked cauliflower emerges from the oven with a golden-brown, wonderfully crispy exterior. Once tossed in the vibrant honey garlic glaze, it becomes a tantalizing blend of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy. The sauce, thickened with cornstarch, clings beautifully to every floret, ensuring a burst of flavor in each bite. Topped with fresh, finely sliced scallions, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, offering a comforting yet elevated vegetable option.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the sriracha sauce to your liking. For a different breading texture, you could experiment with other types of breadcrumbs, though panko provides a superior crispness. If you don't have scallions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds could add a similar visual appeal and nutty note upon serving.
Serving & Context
This Honey Garlic Baked Cauliflower makes an excellent crowd-pleasing appetizer, a flavorful side dish alongside roasted chicken or fish, or even a satisfying vegetarian main with rice. Its vibrant flavors make it suitable for casual family dinners or a festive potluck.