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Sweet & Spicy Cauliflower

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Crispy cauliflower tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cauliflower:

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp oil (for baking)

For the Sweet & Spicy Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For Garnish:

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, water, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to form a smooth batter.
  • Dip each cauliflower floret in the batter, making sure it’s well-coated.
  • Place on a greased baking sheet or air fryer basket.

2. Bake or Air Fry:

  • Oven: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
  • Air Fryer: Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp.

3. Make the Sweet & Spicy Sauce:

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  • Bring to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water).
  • Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Coat & Serve:

  • Toss the crispy cauliflower in the sauce until evenly coated.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

5. Enjoy!

  • Serve immediately as an appetizer or over rice for a full meal.

Notes

Extra Crispy Tip: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra crunch.
Make It Milder: Reduce sriracha and red pepper flakes for a less spicy version.
Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.