Black Pepper Cauliflower

Black Pepper Cauliflower is a simple, spicy, and sweet oven-roasted dish that is quick to make and full of flavor.

Black Pepper Cauliflower introduction

This Black Pepper Cauliflower is crispy at the edges and saucy on the inside.
It uses pantry items and a quick sweet and spicy pepper sauce to coat roasted florets.
You can pair it with many dishes, like a light fish — try this baked fish with slow cooked peppers recipe for an easy meal.

Black Pepper Cauliflower why make this recipe

Make Black Pepper Cauliflower when you want a fast, healthy main or side that still feels special.
It takes under 30 minutes active time and keeps crowd-pleasing flavors: black pepper heat and maple-sweet balance.

Black Pepper Cauliflower how to make

This section shows how to make Black Pepper Cauliflower step by step.
If you enjoy bold pepper flavors, you might also like a pepper-forward shrimp dish like BBQ pepper shrimp.

Black Pepper Cauliflower Ingredients :

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• For the sweet and spicy pepper sauce:
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Black Pepper Cauliflower Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and tender.
3. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Heat over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and stir until it thickens. Remove from heat.
5. Once the cauliflower is done, toss it with the sweet and spicy pepper sauce. Serve warm.

Black Pepper Cauliflower how to serve

Serve Black Pepper Cauliflower hot as a side or main.
It goes well with rice, noodles, or a grilled fish like this blackened salmon for a full plate.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you like.

Black Pepper Cauliflower how to store

Cool the cauliflower to room temperature before storing.
Place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture, or microwave gently.

Black Pepper Cauliflower tips to make

• Cut florets similar size so they roast evenly.
• Use hot oven and a single baking layer for good browning.
• Adjust sriracha to control spice level.
• If sauce is too thick, thin with a little water; if too thin, simmer longer.

Black Pepper Cauliflower variation

• Make it spicy: add extra cracked black pepper or chili flakes.
• Make it sticky-sweet: brush extra maple syrup on after tossing.
• Make it smoky: add smoked paprika to the sauce for a different note.

Black Pepper Cauliflower FAQs

Q: Is this recipe vegan?
A: Yes. It uses plant-based ingredients like soy sauce and maple syrup, so it is vegan.

Q: Can I air-fry the cauliflower instead of baking?
A: Yes. Air-fry at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking once, until crisp and tender.

Q: What tool helps grind fresh pepper for the best taste?
A: A good pepper grinder gives the best flavor. Buy it here

Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the sauce, cool it, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before tossing with roasted cauliflower.

Q: How do I keep cauliflower crispy after saucing?
A: Toss just before serving and serve immediately. If needed, re-crisp in the oven for a few minutes after saucing.

Black Pepper Cauliflower

A simple, spicy, and sweet oven-roasted dish that is quick to make and full of flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Asian, Vegan

Servings 4 servings

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 head head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black pepper

For the Sweet and Spicy Pepper Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
• Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and tender.

Sauce Preparation

• In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sriracha.
• Heat over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
• Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and stir until it thickens.
• Remove from heat.

Final Assembly

• Once the cauliflower is done, toss it with the sweet and spicy pepper sauce.
• Serve warm.

Notes

Cut florets similar size so they roast evenly. Use hot oven and a single baking layer for good browning. Adjust sriracha to control spice level. If sauce is too thick, thin with a little water; if too thin, simmer longer.

Keyword Black Pepper Cauliflower, Quick Recipes, Roasted Cauliflower, Side Dishes, Vegetarian Recipes