Brown Sugar BBQ Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

This Brown Sugar BBQ Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a show-stopping vegetarian main dish with a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors. Roasting the cauliflower whole keeps it tender while the homemade BBQ sauce adds a rich, tangy glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 1/4 lb.), stem trimmed
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. soy sauce
• 1 tsp. sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 scallion, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
• Sriracha, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place the cauliflower stem side down in the center of a large heatproof skillet. Brush the entire cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Step 2: Bake the cauliflower for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then carefully pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the skillet. Return to the oven and bake until the cauliflower is knife-tender and the water is absorbed, about 40 to 55 minutes more.
3. Step 3: While the cauliflower cooks, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Brush the baked cauliflower all over with the prepared BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes more, until the sauce caramelizes slightly. Let the cauliflower cool for 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Transfer the cauliflower to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and roasted peanuts. Drizzle with sriracha to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.
• Use a cast-iron skillet to help the cauliflower roast evenly and develop a nice crust.
• To make this vegan, substitute Worcestershire sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Serve with a side of creamy coleslaw or grilled corn for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover roasted cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to preserve texture. The sauce may thicken upon storage, so you can thin it with a splash of water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I roast smaller cauliflower florets instead of the whole head?

Yes, you can separate the cauliflower into florets and roast them with the same BBQ sauce. Cooking time will be shorter, about 25-30 minutes, depending on floret size.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce labels as some brands contain gluten. Tamari is a good gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Brown Sugar BBQ Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

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A whole roasted cauliflower coated in a rich, homemade brown sugar BBQ sauce, baked to tender perfection and topped with scallions, roasted peanuts, and a drizzle of sriracha for a sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor combination.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower

• 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 1/4 lb.), stem trimmed
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce & Assembly

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. soy sauce
• 1 tsp. sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 scallion, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
• Sriracha, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare and Season Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place the cauliflower stem side down in the center of a large heatproof skillet. Brush it all over with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Initial Roasting: Bake the cauliflower for 30 minutes at 450°F. After 30 minutes, brush it with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Carefully pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the skillet to help steam the cauliflower as it cooks.
3. Continue Baking Until Tender: Bake for an additional 40 to 55 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a knife and the water has been absorbed.
4. Make the Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, combine ketchup, dark brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
5. Glaze the Cauliflower: Brush the roasted cauliflower all over with the prepared BBQ sauce. Return it to the oven and bake for about 5 more minutes until the sauce becomes slightly caramelized.
6. Finish and Garnish: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Transfer it to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped scallions and roasted peanuts, and drizzle with sriracha to taste.

Notes

• Use a large heatproof skillet to accommodate the whole cauliflower and to collect the water for steaming.
• Adjust cayenne pepper and sriracha amounts for preferred spice level.
• Make sure to watch the cauliflower during the last baking stages to avoid burning the glaze.
• This dish pairs excellently with grilled meats or as a hearty vegetarian entree.
• Roasted peanuts add a crunchy texture contrast but can be omitted or substituted for nut allergies.

Keywords: brown sugar BBQ sauce, roasted cauliflower, whole cauliflower recipe, vegetarian BBQ, oven roasted cauliflower