Bang Bang Cauliflower
Bang bang cauliflower coats fresh florets in a glossy glaze of olive oil, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, and lime juice. Ready for the oven or air fryer in 10 minutes of prep.
Equipment
- Oven
- Air fryer
- large bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp. sriracha
- 1 lime juiced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium cauliflower cut into florets
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
For the oven
- Combine the olive oil, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and garlic with a whisk in a large bowl. The mixture should look glossy, with garlic distributed throughout.
- Turn the cauliflower florets through the glaze in the bowl until coated on all sides. Look for sauce across the branching tops and cut stems, not just pooled beneath them.
For the Air Fryer
- Use a whisk to blend the olive oil, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and garlic in a large bowl. The garlic should be scattered through the combined oil and chili mixture.
- Coat the cauliflower by lifting and turning the florets through the mixture. Each piece should carry a visible film of glaze, including its cut surfaces.
Notes
Ingredient tip: Dry washed cauliflower florets thoroughly, paying close attention to the branching undersides and stem crevices so excess water does not dilute the glaze.
Texture tip: Cut the cauliflower into similarly sized, bite-sized florets with flat cut surfaces and leave plenty of space in a single layer so the pieces do not trap moisture and steam.
Glaze tip: Whisk the glaze again if it separates while standing, and scoop the sauce from the bottom of the bowl over the florets so every piece gets evenly coated.
Storage: Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, keeping any slaw, tortillas, rice, or creamy toppings separate to prevent sogginess.
Reheating: Spread leftover florets out in an oven or air fryer to help dry the surface and edges, watching the sugary glaze closely so it does not scorch.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.