Brown Sugar BBQ Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

This Brown Sugar BBQ Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a flavorful and impressive vegetarian main that’s perfect for any occasion. Roasted to tender perfection and coated in a sticky, sweet, and smoky BBQ sauce, it’s a delicious alternative to traditional barbecue dishes.

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 your 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, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Step 2: Bake the cauliflower for 30 minutes. After that, brush it with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Carefully pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the skillet. Continue baking until the cauliflower is knife-tender and the water has been absorbed, about 40 to 55 minutes more.
3. Step 3: While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, 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 it thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Brush the BBQ sauce all over the roasted cauliflower. Return it to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes more until the sauce is slightly caramelized. Remove from oven and let it 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 depth, try adding a splash of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
• You can swap roasted peanuts for chopped cashews or almonds for a different crunch.
• If you prefer a milder heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and sriracha.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for even roasting and easy stovetop-to-oven cooking.

Storage

Store leftover roasted cauliflower covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to keep it tender without drying out. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a little water to loosen it if reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the cauliflower and prepare the BBQ sauce a day ahead. Reheat the cauliflower with sauce applied just before serving to preserve the caramelized finish.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

To make it vegan, substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative or soy sauce, and ensure the ketchup you use contains no animal products.