Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Black Pepper Cauliflower is a perfect balance of crispiness and heat. The cauliflower is roasted to perfection, giving it a deliciously crunchy texture, while the black pepper sauce adds an irresistible spiciness. Whether you’re a cauliflower fan or looking for a tasty alternative to your usual side dish, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, it’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be adjusted to suit your spice preferences.

Ingredients

1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
1 tablespoon water
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Toss the cauliflower florets in olive oil and salt. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet.
Roast the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the black pepper sauce. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and freshly ground black pepper.
If you’re using cornstarch for extra crispiness, dissolve it in a tablespoon of water to make a slurry and add it to the sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the black pepper sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add heat: For extra spice, you can add red chili flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce.
Use different veggies: While cauliflower is the star of this recipe, you can substitute with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even sweet potato for variety.
Make it vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey to make this recipe fully vegan.
Crispier cauliflower: For an extra crispy texture, toss the cauliflower florets in cornstarch before roasting them.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain the crispiness. You can also reheat in a skillet on medium heat for a few minutes.

FAQs

How can I make the cauliflower extra crispy?

To make the cauliflower crispier, you can coat the florets with a bit of cornstarch before roasting. Additionally, roasting at a higher temperature will help achieve a crunchier texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the cauliflower ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, toss it with the sauce and garnish with green onions. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

If you’re avoiding soy, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted by the amount of black pepper and any additional spices or chili peppers you add to the sauce.

Can I freeze Black Pepper Cauliflower?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the roasted cauliflower after it cools. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower works best, but if you only have frozen cauliflower, you can use it as a substitute. Just ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained before roasting.

What is the best way to serve this dish?

Black Pepper Cauliflower can be served as a side dish with rice, noodles, or your favorite protein. It also makes a great snack on its own.

Is Black Pepper Cauliflower vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan, especially if you substitute honey with maple syrup.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Absolutely! You can add more or less honey/maple syrup based on your personal preference for sweetness.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like it spicier, add more black pepper, chili flakes, or fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Cauliflower is a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With its combination of spicy black pepper, savory soy sauce, and crispy cauliflower, it’s a treat for anyone who loves bold flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a snack, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!