Glazed Orange Cauliflower
Glazed Orange Cauliflower is a delicious and nutritious dish featuring roasted cauliflower florets coated in a sticky, flavorful orange glaze blending sweet, savory, and zesty notes. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for vegetarians and anyone looking to elevate simple vegetables with bold and balanced flavors.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 1 fresh cauliflower head, chopped into bite-sized florets
Orange Glaze
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
For Roasting and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, optional, to taste
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts
- Fresh cilantro or basil
- Extra chili flakes or sriracha for heat
- Roasted chickpeas or tofu cubes (for added protein)
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and chop the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly uniform for even roasting.
- Roast Until Golden: Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve a tender yet crispy texture.
- Make the Orange Glaze: While the cauliflower roasts, combine freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer gently over medium heat until the glaze thickens and becomes syrupy.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Once roasted, toss the warm cauliflower florets gently with the warm orange glaze until each piece is coated in the glossy, vibrant sauce.
- Serve Warm: Plate immediately while warm. Add optional garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or fresh herbs, and enjoy the harmonious flavor and textures.
Notes
- Cut cauliflower florets uniformly to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a brighter, more natural flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the roasting pan to allow crispy edges on the cauliflower.
- Simmer the glaze slowly on low heat to achieve a sticky, clingy texture.
- Serve the dish immediately to maintain the glaze’s texture and the cauliflower’s crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: glazed orange cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, sticky orange glaze, healthy vegetable recipe