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Sweet and Sour Cauliflower

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This Sweet and Sour Cauliflower is a delicious plant-based alternative to classic Chinese takeout. Crispy roasted cauliflower is tossed in a tangy, sweet, and sticky sauce made with wholesome ingredients. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2–4 servings

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower:
  • 4 cups medium cauliflower florets
  • 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil, melted (or substitute avocado or olive oil)
  • 1/4 cup tapioca flour
  • Sweet & Sour Sauce:
  • 1/3 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce (use coconut aminos for paleo)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • For Garnish:
  • 1 scallion, light green part, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bag or bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with melted oil until evenly coated.
  3. Add tapioca flour to the bag and shake again until the cauliflower is well coated.
  4. Transfer the cauliflower to the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and beginning to brown.
  5. While the cauliflower bakes, prepare the sweet and sour sauce: In a small pot over medium-high heat, combine vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), ketchup, tamari (or coconut aminos), garlic, ginger, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
  7. Transfer the baked cauliflower to a large bowl and pour the sauce over. Toss to coat evenly.
  8. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For best texture, serve immediately after tossing with the sauce.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower for 1-2 minutes before saucing.
  • Store leftovers separately (cauliflower and sauce) to prevent sogginess when reheating.
  • To make this dish fully paleo, use coconut aminos instead of tamari or soy sauce and maple syrup or honey.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg