Imagine transforming an ordinary cauliflower into a mouthwatering dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This Honey Garlic Baked Cauliflower is not just another vegetable side dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that turns humble cauliflower into a crispy, sweet, and savory sensation that will revolutionize the way you think about healthy eating. With a perfect balance of golden caramelization, rich garlic notes, and a sticky honey glaze, this recipe proves that nutritious food can be absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into evenly sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for uniform cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss gently, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the honey garlic mixture.
- Spread the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the florets halfway through to ensure even caramelization.
- Remove from the oven when the cauliflower edges are golden brown and slightly crispy, and the sauce has caramelized.
- Let the cauliflower cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot as a side dish or appetizer, optionally garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your cauliflower florets into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd: Use a large baking sheet and spread the florets in a single layer. Overcrowding will steam the cauliflower instead of roasting it, preventing that desirable crispy exterior.
- Sauce Secrets: Whisk the honey garlic mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and will coat the cauliflower evenly.
- Halfway Turn: Remember to flip the cauliflower midway through cooking to achieve a beautiful, even golden-brown color on all sides.
- Watch the Caramelization: Keep an eye on the florets in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning while achieving that perfect caramelized finish.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra pop of flavor and color, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions just before serving.Pro Tip: This dish is best served immediately while the cauliflower is still hot and crispy, so time your cooking to serve right away!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
