Description

This Sesame Glazed Cauliflower recipe offers a vibrant, flavorful way to enjoy a healthy vegetable dish. Tender roasted cauliflower florets are coated in a sweet and savory sesame glaze made from low-sodium soy sauce, pure maple syrup, rice vinegar, and aromatic spices. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions, this dish makes a perfect appetizer or side that is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 small head cauliflower, chopped (6 1/2 cups florets)

Glaze Sauce

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
½ tsp powdered ginger

Thickening Agent

1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot
1/4 cup water

Garnish

Sesame seeds
Scallions, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Cut the cauliflower into florets, making sure one side of each floret is flat to help them lay evenly on the baking pan.
Bake Cauliflower: Arrange the cauliflower florets on a baking pan in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the florets and bake for another 10 minutes until tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
Make Sauce: While cauliflower is baking, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey/agave), rice vinegar, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, and powdered ginger in a saucepan. Heat and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch or arrowroot in water, then slowly whisk this slurry into the boiling sauce. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
Coat Cauliflower: Pour the thickened sesame glaze evenly over the baked cauliflower. For an extra crispy finish, optionally place the coated cauliflower under the broiler for about 1 minute, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Serve: Garnish the sesame-glazed cauliflower with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions before serving to add texture and freshness.

Notes

You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave to suit your dietary preferences or sweetness level.
Make sure to watch the cauliflower closely if broiling to prevent burning.
Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze sauce.