Crispy Honey Sriracha Cauliflower Bites (Print)

Golden cauliflower bites glazed in sweet-spicy honey Sriracha, ideal for a bold vegetarian appetizer or snack.

# Ingredients:

→ Cauliflower

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

→ Batter

02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 3/4 cup cold water

→ Breading

08 - 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

→ Glaze

09 - 1/3 cup honey
10 - 2 1/2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
11 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
13 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
14 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil

→ Garnish (Optional)

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
17 - Lime wedges

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually incorporate the cold water while whisking vigorously to achieve a smooth, thick batter consistency.
03 - Submerge each cauliflower floret into the prepared batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before transferring the coated floret to the panko breadcrumbs. Gently press to adhere the breadcrumbs. Arrange the breaded florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and achieve a crispy texture.
05 - While the cauliflower bakes, combine the honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, butter, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and simmer, stirring constantly, until the butter melts and the sauce becomes glossy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
06 - Once the cauliflower is baked, let it cool for 2 minutes. Transfer the crispy florets to a large bowl and pour the prepared glaze over them. Gently toss to ensure all the cauliflower bites are evenly coated. Toss gently to coat.
07 - Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedges, if desired.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have
  • Baked not fried for less mess and healthier results
  • Perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors
02 -
  • Higher temperature baking creates a crispier exterior
  • Double coating technique optional for extra crunch
  • Let cauliflower cool slightly before saucing to maintain crispiness
  • The sauce will thicken as it cools, so work quickly when coating
03 -
  • For the absolute crispiest results, try chilling your battered and breaded cauliflower for 15 minutes before baking. This helps set the coating and creates an even crispier exterior.
  • When making the sauce, consider adding a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger for another dimension of flavor that complements both the honey and Sriracha beautifully.
  • And finally, don't rush the baking process—those extra few minutes of browning make all the difference between good and great cauliflower bites!
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