Name: Spicy Maple Roasted Cauliflower
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons hot sauce of choice; 2 tablespoons coconut aminos, tamari, Bragg’s liquid aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil; 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; Sea salt and pepper, to taste; 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder, gluten-free flour, or cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Spicy Maple Roasted Cauliflower is a bold, sweet-and-savory side dish that packs serious flavor in every bite. Tender cauliflower florets are tossed in a sticky maple-hot sauce glaze, then roasted until golden and crisp, with just the right amount of heat. Finished with sesame seeds and green onions for added texture and freshness, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or meatless main courses.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cauliflower recipe hits all the flavor notes—spicy, sweet, tangy, and umami—thanks to a punchy sauce made with maple syrup, hot sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. The addition of arrowroot or cornstarch gives the cauliflower a crispy, roasted exterior without any frying. It’s quick to prep, naturally gluten-free, and can easily be made vegan and Whole30-compliant.

Spicy Maple Roasted Cauliflower

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pure maple syrup
hot sauce of choice
coconut aminos, tamari, Bragg’s liquid aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce
avocado oil or olive oil
toasted sesame oil
rice vinegar
fresh garlic cloves
smoked paprika
sea salt and pepper
large head of cauliflower
arrowroot powder, gluten-free flour, or cornstarch
sesame seeds
green onions

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, hot sauce, coconut aminos (or soy alternative), avocado oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the florets and toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated.
Initial Roast: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, or until the florets begin to turn golden.
Add Crisp Factor: Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Sprinkle the cauliflower with arrowroot powder, flour, or cornstarch. Toss gently and spread the florets evenly on the pan again.
Final Roast: Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 10–12 minutes, or until the cauliflower is nicely golden brown and starting to crisp up.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Extra Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or use a spicier hot sauce like sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
Soy-Free: Stick with coconut aminos for a completely soy-free version.
Sweet Swap: Use honey or agave instead of maple syrup if desired.
Add Protein: Toss in crispy tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
Serve Over Grains: Pair with rice, quinoa, or noodles for a hearty dish.
Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of lime juice and some chopped cilantro before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to help retain crispiness. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

Freezing: Not recommended—texture may become mushy when reheated from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Fresh is best for roasting, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess.

What’s the best hot sauce to use?

Any favorite will work—Frank’s RedHot, sriracha, or even buffalo sauce depending on your heat and flavor preference.

Why add the starch halfway through?

Adding starch after partial roasting helps it stick to the sauce and creates a crispier exterior as it finishes cooking.

Can I make this oil-free?

Yes. Omit the oils and use water or extra vinegar for the sauce. The cauliflower may not crisp as much but will still be flavorful.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as long as you use plant-based hot sauce and sweeteners.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and cut the cauliflower in advance. Roast just before serving for best texture.

What other vegetables can I use?

Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes using the same method.

Can I serve this cold?

It’s best served warm, but leftovers can be added to salads or grain bowls cold.

What can I serve it with?

It’s great alongside rice, roasted tofu, grilled meats, or in lettuce wraps.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use two sheet pans to avoid overcrowding so the cauliflower roasts instead of steaming.

Conclusion

Spicy Maple Roasted Cauliflower is a fast, flavorful, and healthy way to enjoy this versatile veggie. With its sweet heat, crispy texture, and aromatic sesame-garlic flavor, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite whether you serve it as a side, snack, or meatless main. It’s easy, customizable, and undeniably delicious.