If you’re craving a sweet–spicy side dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, this Maple Sriracha Cauliflower will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s vibrant, deliciously sticky, and roasted until the edges turn perfectly crispy. Whether you’re hosting friends or meal-prepping for the week, this easy recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a dish that tastes restaurant-worthy without complicated steps.
Table of Contents
Maple Sriracha Cauliflower Recipe
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Servings:
4
Calories:
165 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 5 cups)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges begin to brown.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the maple syrup, sriracha, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic powder.
- Remove the cauliflower from the oven and pour the sauce evenly over the florets. Toss directly on the baking sheet or in a bowl.
- Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes until the glaze becomes sticky and glossy.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Substitutions & Dietary Swaps
This Maple Sriracha Cauliflower is easily adaptable:
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Low-Sodium: Choose reduced-sodium soy sauce and reduce sriracha slightly.
- Oil-Free: Replace olive oil with 1 tbsp aquafaba for moisture.
- Spicier: Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or increase sriracha to 3 tbsp.
- Sweeter: Add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Dry the cauliflower well moisture reduces crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the florets enough space to roast, not steam.
- For extra crispiness, roast 5 additional minutes before adding the glaze.
- Use pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup!) for the best caramelization.
Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make Ahead: Prep the sauce and cut the cauliflower up to 2 days ahead.
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Air fryer for 5 minutes at 375°F or oven for 10 minutes for best texture. Avoid microwaving it softens the glaze.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Cauliflower too soft? Oven wasn’t hot enough or florets were overcrowded.
- Sauce burned? Glazes with sugar can overcook add during the final minutes only.
- No caramelization? Add a bit more oil or increase oven temperature slightly.
Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with proteins, grains, and fresh sides. Try serving it with:
For nutritional info on vegetables, you can explore resources like the USDA’s Nutrition.gov for authoritative guidance.
Maple Sriracha Cauliflower
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the florets are not overcrowded.
- Roast for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until the edges are browned and starting to crisp.
- While the cauliflower roasts, whisk together the maple syrup, sriracha, soy sauce or tamari, vinegar, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Remove the cauliflower from the oven and drizzle the maple sriracha sauce over the florets. Toss carefully on the baking sheet (or in a bowl) until well coated.
- Return the cauliflower to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes, or until the glaze is sticky and glossy.
- Transfer the Maple Sriracha Cauliflower to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
FAQs
Can I air fry the cauliflower instead?
Yes! Air fry at 390°F for 15 minutes, add the glaze, then cook 3–4 minutes more.
Is this Maple Sriracha Cauliflower vegan?
Yes! just ensure your sriracha brand is vegan-certified.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
You can, but thaw and pat dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce sriracha to 1 tablespoon and add an extra teaspoon of maple syrup.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! just use two baking sheets to maintain crispiness.
What protein pairs best with it?
Grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or salmon all complement the sweet–spicy glaze.
Conclusion
This irresistible Maple Sriracha Cauliflower combines bold heat with natural sweetness for a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you pair it with grains, proteins, or enjoy it on its own, it adds instant excitement to any meal. If you loved this recipe, explore more veggie-forward ideas in our recipe collection and share your creation with friends!