Sticky Honey Garlic Cauliflower (Printable)

Golden crispy cauliflower with sticky honey garlic coating

# What You Need:

→ For the Cauliflower

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
03 - 1 cup water
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs

→ For the Honey Garlic Sauce

08 - 1/3 cup honey
09 - 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for GF)
10 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
12 - 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

→ For Garnish

13 - 2 green onions, sliced
14 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to form a smooth batter.
03 - Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
04 - Arrange on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
05 - Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
06 - Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring, until thickened (1–2 minutes). Remove from heat.
07 - Toss baked cauliflower in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crispy exterior gives way to tender cauliflower, while that sticky honey garlic sauce clings to every nook and cranny
  • Its the kind of dish that makes people forget theyre eating vegetables, and I've watched confirmed carnivores go back for thirds
02 -
  • Dont skip lining your baking sheet with parchment, or you'll spend ten minutes chiseling caramelized sauce off metal
  • The cauliflower needs space between pieces on the pan, or they'll steam instead of getting crispy
03 -
  • Use room temperature cauliflower for better batter adhesion, and pat florets dry before dipping
  • Let the coated florets sit for 5 minutes before baking to help the breadcrumbs set and stick better

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