Honey Sesame Cauliflower

This honey sesame cauliflower uses high heat to brown the florets, then coats them in a glossy sweet-savoury sauce just before serving. Keeping the sauce separate until the cauliflower is cooked helps preserve texture.

Estimated serves: 4 Estimated cooking: about 30 minutes

Recipe overview

This honey sesame cauliflower is a sweet-savoury cauliflower dish finished with sesame and a glossy honey sauce. The same flavour direction can also be described as sticky honey cauliflower or honey-garlic cauliflower depending on the final sauce. Keeping the sauce separate until the florets are cooked helps protect texture.

Ingredients

Cauliflower

• 1 large cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• Pinch of salt

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 1 teaspoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water

To finish

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 spring onions, sliced

Method

1. Heat the oven to 220°C conventional (200°C fan-forced).
2. Toss cauliflower with oil, cornflour and salt. Spread in one layer on a lined tray.
3. Roast for 20–25 minutes, turning once, until browned and tender.
4. Meanwhile, combine honey, soy, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger and garlic in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the cornflour slurry and cook briefly until glossy.
6. Toss the hot cauliflower with enough sauce to coat and finish with sesame seeds and spring onion.

Can I air-fry it?

Yes. Cook in batches so the air can circulate, then toss with the sauce after cooking.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Fresh cauliflower will usually brown better. Frozen florets can work, but excess moisture may make them softer; cook from frozen and allow extra time.

Is this vegan?

No, because it contains honey. For the broader discussion, see Is Honey Vegan?.

Can I make it ahead?

The sauce can be prepared ahead, but the cauliflower is best cooked and coated just before serving.

For a related savoury recipe, see Honey Soy Tofu or Honey Chilli Prawns. If you want more heat, a little hot honey can be added at the table.

Allergen note: contains soy and sesame; check soy sauce for gluten if required.

Recipe note: This recipe has been developed for home cooking but has not yet been independently kitchen-tested by Australian Honey Company. Results may vary with ingredients, equipment and cooking conditions.