Description

Glazed Orange Cauliflower is a simple, healthy, and flavorful side dish featuring crispy roasted cauliflower florets coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze. This vibrant dish balances citrus brightness with subtle sweetness, making it perfect for adding more vegetables to your meals or creating a fresh twist on a classic side. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, it pairs beautifully with a wide range of main courses.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Orange Glaze

1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 garlic cloves, minced

Optional Additions & Garnishes

Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions, for garnish
Toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts (almonds), for added crunch (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking. Pat them dry gently to help achieve a crispier roast.
Roast the Cauliflower: Toss the florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender, turning halfway through to ensure even roasting.
Make the Orange Glaze: While the cauliflower roasts, whisk together fresh orange juice, honey or maple syrup, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes a glossy glaze.
Combine and Glaze: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a large bowl. Pour the warm orange glaze over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes now if desired.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the glazed cauliflower to a serving dish and finish with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions. Serve warm for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest and most vibrant flavor.
Make sure cauliflower florets are dry before roasting for optimal crispness.
Spread florets evenly on the baking sheet to avoid steaming and encourage browning.
Keep the glaze on medium heat and stir often to prevent burning or sticking.
Adjust sweetness by tasting the glaze and adding more honey or maple syrup as needed.
This recipe can be made vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
For gluten-free, use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce; alternatively, coconut aminos work as a soy sauce substitute.
Store leftover glazed cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked cauliflower without glaze and add fresh glaze after thawing to preserve texture.
Reheat in the oven or skillet to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 120
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: glazed orange cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, healthy side dish, orange glaze, vegan glaze, gluten-free side