Spicy Maple Sriracha Cauliflower – The Best Vegan Appetizer Ever

If you’re craving something bold, crispy, and full of flavor, look no further than this Spicy Maple Sriracha Cauliflower. It’s the ultimate combination of sweet, spicy, and savory, making it perfect for a guilt-free appetizer, snack, or side dish. Lightly baked rather than fried, these cauliflower bites are tossed in a sticky, irresistible sauce that brings the perfect kick without overwhelming heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big Flavor – A balance of heat from the sriracha and sweetness from the maple syrup.
Veggie-Powered – A clever way to get more vegetables into your day.
Crispy Yet Light – Baked to perfection with a light, crunchy coating.
Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Optional: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to form a smooth batter.

Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off the excess, and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake Until Crispy

Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Make the Sauce

While the cauliflower bakes, mix maple syrup, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Heat gently over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.

Toss and Bake Again

Once the cauliflower is golden, remove it from the oven, toss it in the spicy maple sauce, then return to the baking sheet and bake for another 5–7 minutes to set the glaze.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 3g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g

Tips for Success

• Even Coating: Shake off excess batter for a lighter, crispier texture.
• Sauce Timing: Add the sauce only near the end so the cauliflower stays crisp, not soggy.
• Adjust Heat: Reduce or increase the sriracha depending on your spice preference.
• Garnish Smartly: A sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds adds a fresh and nutty finish.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish strikes a perfect balance between crunchy, sweet, and spicy without being too heavy. Roasting instead of frying keeps it lighter, while the bold sauce brings serious flavor. It’s a great option when you want comfort food vibes but still want to keep it light and satisfying.

Spicy Maple Sriracha Cauliflower is proof that vegetables can be the star of the show. Whether you’re looking for an exciting side dish, a healthy appetizer for your next get-together, or just a new way to enjoy cauliflower, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and ease. Serve it up fresh and watch it disappear!