Brown Sugar BBQ Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
This Brown Sugar BBQ Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a flavorful and visually impressive vegetarian main or side dish. The cauliflower is brushed with olive oil, seasoned, and oven-roasted to tender perfection. It’s then smothered in a homemade rich and tangy brown sugar BBQ sauce, baked to a caramelized finish, and garnished with scallions, roasted peanuts, and a drizzle of spicy sriracha for a delightful contrast in flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Sriracha, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the trimmed cauliflower head 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.
- Initial Roast: Bake the cauliflower for 30 minutes to begin softening and browning the exterior. After 30 minutes, brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Carefully pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the skillet to help steam and tenderize the cauliflower as it continues cooking.
- Continue Roasting: Return the skillet to the oven and bake until the cauliflower is knife-tender and the water has completely absorbed, about 40 to 55 minutes more. This slow roasting ensures the entire cauliflower is perfectly cooked through.
- Make the Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, dark brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Apply BBQ Sauce and Caramelize: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and brush it thoroughly all over with the prepared BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly on the surface of the cauliflower.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the roasted cauliflower cool for 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and to make handling easier. Transfer to a serving platter and top with chopped scallions and roasted peanuts. Finish with a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Notes
- You can substitute roasted peanuts with toasted cashews or almonds for a different crunch.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne and sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
- If you don’t have a heatproof skillet, use a baking dish that fits the cauliflower comfortably.
- Leftover cauliflower can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
- This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce substitutes.
Keywords: Roasted Cauliflower, BBQ Cauliflower, Vegetarian BBQ, Whole Roasted Cauliflower, Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce, Vegetarian Main Dish
