Sticky BBQ Teriyaki Whole Roasted Cauliflower
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Sticky BBQ Teriyaki Whole Roasted Cauliflower
This Sticky BBQ Teriyaki Whole Roasted Cauliflower is the perfect meat replacer for your fanciest table setting. Like no other Thanksgiving dinner centerpiece, this roasted whole cauliflower comes completely vegan, gluten-free, and deliciously well seasoned and based in a sweet sauce for a nice touch. A healthy and easy way to indulge in a flavorful dish without missing the feeling of traditional meat/main dishes during the holidays. A crowd-pleaser indeed!
Now that I've had experience with creating more and more vegan dishes (thanks to practice over the years and trying my hand at being a vegan for a short stint), making this Sticky BBQ Teriyaki Whole Roasted Cauliflower recipe over again was a no-brainer. With the Holidays looking a bit different this year for many of us, I wanted to help create the idea of never missing out, especially when there's no meat involved. The Holidays can still feel traditional even when you aren't necessarily cooking traditionally and this recipe reflects that for sure. It's not only beautiful, but it tastes absolutely amazing with the infusion of sweet + savory flavors that go so well together.
Don't worry, if you aren't a major fan of cauliflower then you'll love my Maple Herb Roasted Butternut Squash as a great alternative! And if you're wanting to continue the butternut squash theme then this Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie is also a huge hit at the holiday table and just during fall evenings! Plus, there's my Vegan BBQ Beef Wellington for a comforting vegan main dish option, which comes wrapped in a beautifully golden crust and stuffed with a variety of staple ingredients.
Jump to:
- How to Host the Perfect Vegan Friendsgiving.
- Awesome Meat Substitutes to Try This Year.
- How To Make Sticky BBQ Teriyaki Whole Roasted Cauliflower
- The Ingredients
- Homemade BBQ Sauce
- What to Serve with Whole Roasted Cauliflower?
- Why You'll Love this Whole Roasted Cauliflower?
- Is It Hard To Roast a Whole Cauliflower?
- Thanksgiving Tips + Tricks
- How To Use Leftover Roasted Cauliflower?
- Common Q + A's for this Sticky BBQ Teriyaki Whole Roasted Cauliflower
- The Best Easy Holiday Dishes to Try Next!
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Sticky BBQ Teriyaki Whole Roasted Cauliflower
I just love the way cauliflower is so versatile in general. It's definitely one of those ingredients that I enjoy making in various ways like boiling (to make as a sauce base), roasting, grilling, sautéing, air frying, etc. Plus, it's such a hearty, filling veggie that acts as a great main dish, meat alternative, and side veggie for any meal----much like broccoli.
How to Host the Perfect Vegan Friendsgiving.
Unlike traditional Thanksgiving dinner, Friendsgiving is the place where you get to enjoy good times with close friends and extended family. For many, Friendsgiving has become their new tradition and with more people wanting to maintain a healthier lifestyle, this list of How to Host the Perfect Vegan Friendsgiving comes in handy. It’s all about creating simple ways to make this moment the most memorable.
Awesome Meat Substitutes to Try This Year.
Awesome Meat Substitutes to Try This Year is all about finding out the various ways that you can substitute meat on those days where you just feel like giving your usual eating habits a break or for those who follow a vegetarian and/or vegan lifestyle, this lists offers a few great ideas to incorporate in your diet. Plant Protein–the latest trend that has been transforming into a year of “no-meat” is just one of the many ways that you can say ‘yes’ to eating a whole diet and ‘no’ to eating meat if desired.
How To Make Sticky BBQ Teriyaki Whole Roasted Cauliflower
When it comes to making this Sticky BBQ Teriyaki Whole Roasted Cauliflower recipe, the process comes in 3 easy steps:
- Begin by prepping your whole cauliflower first! In this step, you'll rinse with vinegar or apple cider vinegar to remove all dirt and residue, then you'll pat dry and remove any excess "stalks" underneath.
- Brush the cauliflower with initial olive oil-herb mixture.
- Finally, make your BBQ Teriyaki sauce over the stovetop, brush a bit unto cauliflower, bake until tender and golden-----brushing sauce on a few times during baking.
The Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Roasted Whole Cauliflower:
- Cauliflower. Choose a medium or large head to make enough servings for your needs. I always choose organic and rinsing with vinegar or apple cider vinegar helps to clean it best.
- Olive oil. Use a nice high-quality extra-virgin olive oil to roast this cauliflower. You can substitute with avocado oil, grapeseed oil, etc.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce. Offers a savory and umami flavor to balance the sweetness in the sauce. (use Tamari for GF option)
- Garlic and Minced Ginger. These aromatic ingredients infuse the sauce with delightful and zesty notes.
- Arrowroot Starch + Warm Water. Creating a slurry with arrowroot starch and water helps thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.
- Maple syrup. Use pure syrup, not imitation or pancake syrup. You can also substitute with honey (if not vegan restricted), agave, or brown sugar.
- Herbs + seasonings. I use staple spices like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, basil, and smoked paprika.
- BBQ sauce. You can use a premium store-bought sauce. Again, it's easy to make your own. See the post for how to make homemade BBQ.
- Cranberries. The perfect bit of tartness needed for this dish. Can be used solely for garnish for presentation if desired.
- Sesame oil. Adds a rich aroma and flavor to the sauce. You can substitute with olive oil, grapeseed oil, walnut oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, etc.
- Sesame Seeds. A final touch for garnish, adding a nutty flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
Homemade BBQ Sauce
To make your own BBQ sauce for the sauce is rather simple and doesn't require a lot. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 (15 oz.) can of tomato sauce
- ¾ cups water
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsps sriracha sauce
- 2 tsps ground mustard
- ⅓ cup agave syrup
- 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
DIRECTIONS: Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan on medium-high heat and whisk together until it begins to boil. Reduce heat to low-medium and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes or so, stirring occasionally. Once thickened enough to desired consistency, remove from heat and let cool. Set aside until ready to use or store remainder in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
What to Serve with Whole Roasted Cauliflower?
This Sticky BBQ Teriyaki Whole Roasted Cauliflower dish is a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving table or any meal, really. It's a versatile side that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, like...
- Cornbread: Classic cornbread or my Brown Butter Pumpkin Cornbread complements the greens beautifully or for a vegan option Vegan Sweet Potato Maple Herb Cornbread is amazing!
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese adds comfort and richness try this Baked Vegan Buffalo Mac + Cheese recipe!
- Rice: Create a nice rice bowl with other roasted veggies by using brown rice or basmati rice as a great base.
- Roasted veggies: I absolutely love these Maple Herb Glazed Carrots
- Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a hearty side or these Crispy Garlic Herb Smashed Potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser!
- Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits complete the Southern meal. Honey Butter Cornbread Drop Biscuits or Garlic Herb Biscuits are a dream alongside this dish.
Why You'll Love this Whole Roasted Cauliflower?
- Super easy to make.
- Totally meatless without missing the heartiness + meatiness of a main dish!
- Super versatile and can be served as whole, cut into bites, or sliced.
- Whipped together in a little over 1 hour—perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or brunch (if that's your thing)!
- Entirely Vegan + Gluten-Free.
- The perfect balance between sweet + savory, which adds such depth of flavor.
- Did I mention that—THIS DISH IS DELICIOUS + AMAZING?!
Is It Hard To Roast a Whole Cauliflower?
Absolutely not! Roasting a whole cauliflower is actually pretty easy. In just a few short steps, you'll have the best tender, crunchy on the outside, well seasoned cauliflower ever! You just need to do the following:
- Thoroughly rinse your cauliflower.
- Pat dry.
- Season and brush with oil.
- Spoon on a bit of sauce.
- Roast atop foil.
- Brush with sauce again.
- Roast again.
- Brush with sauce again.
- And wallah!
Thanksgiving Tips + Tricks
If you're gearing up to host a Thanksgiving feast that caters to all diets or searching for vegan Thanksgiving recipes for a traditional family gathering or a Friendsgiving celebration, I've got you covered! Check out these articles I've penned for some handy tips, tricks, and a deep dive into plant-based options to make your Thanksgiving day a breeze.
- How to Host the Perfect Vegan Friendsgiving
- 30 Ultimate Plant-Based Thanksgiving Recipes
- Thanksgiving Menu + Guide for ALL Eaters
How To Use Leftover Roasted Cauliflower?
Repurposing those leftover roasted cauliflower is a true win. I recommend cutting it into bite-sized pieces or slices--Once you've got those golden chunks ready to go, a whole realm of tasty options opens up.
Here are some ideas to help you enjoy your leftover cauliflower to the fullest:
Creamy Soup: Try this Creamy Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Chickpea Soup for a nice kick of flavor and creaminess.
As Milk: Try using roasted cauliflower without the sauce for this Cauliflower Milk.
Pizza: Give pizza night a twist with cauliflower bites. Simply add on additional BBQ sauce and bake it on to create these BBQ Cauliflower Wings [Gluten-Free]---minus the breadcrumbs.
Buddha Bowl: Create a nourishing Buddha bowl by layering your leftover cauliflower with grains, roasted chickpeas, greens, and your favorite dressing. It would go perfectly with a Healthy Pesto Buddha Bowl.
Pasta: Toss your cauliflower pieces with cooked pasta like this Creamy Roasted Garlic Kale Pasta with Parmesan, Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta w/ Roasted Cauliflower, Plant-based Sesame ‘Chicken' + Noodles, or as a base for this Easy Vegan Broccoli Alfredo Pasta.
Tacos or a Salad: Spice things up by incorporating your leftover cauliflower into tacos or a salad. Try this BBQ Cauliflower Tacos recipe or atop this Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad.
Common Q + A's for this Sticky BBQ Teriyaki Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower is best when served immediately and consumed. However, leftovers (chopped into pieces) can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375 degrees on a baking sheet until warmed through when ready to serve.
Nope! You can choose to roast your cauliflower as a whole or in bite-sized pieces similar to cauliflower bites or sliced cauliflower.
Yes! You can feel free to substitute the sesame oil with avocado, grapeseed oil, or Extra virgin olive oil.
Yup. Instead of maple syrup, you can substitute with Agave or additional brown sugar.
Nope. If you don't have actual ginger root, you can feel free to substitute with ground ginger; just use ¼ teaspoon will do.
If you don't have arrowroot starch (which is a great GF starch), you can substitute with regular cornstarch, tapioca flour, gluten-free flour, or regular all-purpose flour.
Yes! Not only is cauliflower gluten-free, but it's also a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food with 2 grams of protein in every 1 cup serving, but it takes on the flavor of whatever you season it with.
The Best Easy Holiday Dishes to Try Next!
- Loaded Thanksgiving Pizza
- Jerk Whole Roast Chicken
- Southern-Style Cornbread Stuffing
- Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
- Vegan Apple Cranberry Crisp
- Leftover Turkey Southern Collard Greens
- Vegan Sweet Potato Maple Herb Cornbread
- Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta and Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- Easy Vegan Pumpkin Mac + Cheese
- Maple Herb Glazed Carrots
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Sticky BBQ Teriyaki Whole Roasted Cauliflower recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you.
Ingredients
CAULIFLOWER:
- 1 whole head of organic cauliflower
- 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, optional
HOMEMADE BBQ TERIYAKI SAUCE:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup BBQ sauce, premium (Ensure that it's vegan-friendly)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (See FAQ for alternatives)
- 4 Tbsps organic brown sugar (See FAQ for alternatives)
- ½ cup vegan soy sauce or Tamari sauce
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- 2 tsps minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon freshly-minced ginger root
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch + 2 Tbsps warm water
GARNISH:
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil paper.
RINSE + PREP THE CAULIFLOWER:
- Rinse and/or soak your whole cauliflower in vinegar and water or apple cider vinegar and pat dry with a paper towel and remove any excess "stalks" at the bottom, leaving a few if desired. Place unto prepared baking sheet.
TO MAKE THE BBQ TERIYAKI SAUCE:
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add all of the ingredients together (except arrowroot) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and stir occasionally until sauce ingredients are combined. Mix together the arrowroot + warm water until "milky" and smooth in texture and then add to simmering sauce, stirring until sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat.
BRUSH THE CAULIFLOWER + BAKE:
- In a bowl, add together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and basil, stirring until combined. Brush olive oil-herb mixture atop cauliflower until covered.
- Spoon ¼ of the BBQ Teriyaki sauce atop the cauliflower and bake for 25-30 minutes. After this time, brush a bit more of the BBQ Teriyaki sauce and continue to bake until cauliflower becomes golden, tender, and crisp around the edges. NOTE: You might have to brush on the sauce another 1-2 times to ensure that it "bakes" until the cauliflower for a pretty look. Be sure to leave a little for the final brush after baking.
- Once done, remove the cauliflower from the oven, let it cool until warm and transfer it to your favorite serving platter. NOTE: For a nice table setting look, I like to lay a few handful of fresh herbs (i.e. cilantro, parsley, etc.) to the platter before adding the whole cauliflower atop.
- Brush the top of the roasted cauliflower with the final layer of sauce, sprinkle on sesame seeds, and garnish with your favorite toasted nuts or dried cranberries around the sides for an extra pizzaz-----slice, and serve!
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Cauliflower is best when served immediately and consumed. However, leftovers (chopped into pieces) can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375 degrees on a baking sheet until warmed through when ready to serve.
- CAULIFLOWER SERVING: You can choose to roast your cauliflower as a whole or in bite-sized pieces similar to cauliflower bites or sliced cauliflower.
- OIL: You can feel free to substitute the sesame oil with avocado, grapeseed oil, or Extra virgin olive oil.
- SWEETENER: Instead of maple syrup, you can substitute with Agave or additional brown sugar.
- GINGER: If you don't have actual ginger root, you can feel free to substitute with ground ginger; just use ¼ teaspoon will do.
- STARCH: If you don't have arrowroot starch (which is a great GF starch), you can substitute with regular cornstarch, tapioca flour, gluten-free flour, or regular all-purpose flour.
Nutrition
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This looks amazing and I definitely think I'm going to try it. Ive been really going back and forth about diet! This was definitely inspiration!
Hi Kristin! I totally know the feeling! Thanks so much! I do hope that you love it once you try it! It definitely satisfies any sweet tooth! 🙂
Looks delicious! Will surely try it! Thsnks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks so much! I do hope that you enjoy it! ?