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    Home » Recipes » Vegan Side Dish Recipes

    Spicy Roasted Cauliflower with Jalapeño Pepper

    By: Amy Katz · Published: Mar 14, 2016 · Last modified: Sep 16, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe - Print - Pin
    Special diet: gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, vegan

    Seasoned with jalapeño chili pepper, garlic, lime, and cilantro, this easy oven roasted spicy cauliflower side dish is loaded with flavor.

    Serving bowl of spicy roasted cauliflower garnished with slices of lime and fresh cilantro

    Roasting vegetables is one of my favorite ways to bring out their natural flavor. And adding garlic and chili pepper takes it to another level. If you enjoy Mexican-inspired seasonings, this is the recipe for you.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Air Fryer instructions
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storing
    • FAQ
    • More unique cauliflower recipes
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • It's super flavorful yet only requires 6 ingredients (plus salt and pepper).
    • You can make it in in your oven in about 40 minutes.
    • It goes well with a variety of dishes from tacos to pasta.

    Ingredients

    • Fresh cauliflower
    • Fresh garlic
    • Jalapeño pepper
    • Olive oil
    • Salt and pepper
    • Lime juice
    • Cilantro

    For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Instructions

    Collage of three images showing the steps to prepare this recipe
    1. Spread out the cauliflower, garlic, and jalapeño slices in a single layer. Toss with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
    2. Roast until the florets are tender when pierced with a fork and lightly browned, tossing half way through.
    3. Transfer the cauliflower to a serving bowl and drizzle with lime juice. Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!

    Success tips

    Use your hands to coat the florets with the olive oil to ensure you don't miss any spots.

    Do not overcrowd the pan. Spread the vegetables out in a single layer as much as possible to avoid mushy cauliflower.

    Air Fryer instructions

    This recipe can be prepared in your air fryer by cooking at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook the florets in two batches.

    Serving suggestions

    Close up of roasted cauliflower, garlic, and jalapeño slice on a serving spoon

    While this dish can be served with anything you like from pasta to tacos, these are some of my favorite recipes to enjoy it with:

    • Easy Mushroom Tacos with Chimichurri Sauce
    • Vegan Black Bean Quinoa Casserole
    • Soyrizo Potato Tacos (Vegan)
    • Cheesy Taco Pasta (Vegan)

    Storing

    Leftover roasted vegetables can be covered and refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl or enjoy at room temperature.

    FAQ

    Why is my roasted cauliflower mushy?

    If the pan of vegetables is overcrowded, they won't roast evenly and will be mushy. Be sure to leave space between the florets.

    What is the best way to cut cauliflower?

    Place the cauliflower stem-side up on your cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut out the core. Then pull the cauliflower apart into florets. If the florets are large, slice through the stems to divide them into smaller florets.

    Can cauliflower be cut in advance?

    Yes, you can store the florets in a sealed container or zipper food storage bag in your refrigerator for up to a week.

    More unique cauliflower recipes

    Looking for more ways to enjoy cauliflower? Try some of these vegan favorites:

    • Best Roasted Cauliflower with Dijon Mustard
    • Vegan Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce (Nut-Free)
    • Vegan Cauliflower Ceviche
    • Pan Fried Cauliflower in Vegan Puttanesca Sauce

    And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration, and fun.

    If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars! ★★★★★

    📋 Recipe

    Roasted cauliflower in a serving bowl with a spoon

    Spicy Roasted Cauliflower with Jalapeño Pepper

    Seasoned with jalapeño chili pepper, garlic, lime, and cilantro, this easy oven roasted cauliflower side dish is loaded with flavor.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate Email recipe + ingredient list
    Special diet: gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, vegan
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Fusion, Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 73kcal
    Author: Amy Katz

    Equipment

    • baking sheet pan
    • kitchen tongs

    Ingredients

    • 1 head cauliflower, separated into bite-size florets (about 4 cups)
    • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
    • 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and ribs.)
    • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
    • salt and pepper, to taste
    • 1 Tablespoon lime juice, (from 1 lime)
    • fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
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    Instructions

    • Pre-heat the oven to 425° F.
    • Spread out the cauliflower, garlic, and jalapeño slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toss with the olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
    • Roast for 20 to 30 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork and lightly browned, tossing half way through.
    • Transfer the cauliflower to a serving bowl and drizzle with the lime juice. Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!

    Notes

    Success tips:
    • Use your hands to coat the florets with the olive oil to ensure you don't miss any spots. 
    • Do not overcrowd the pan. Spread the vegetables out in a single layer as much as possible to avoid mushy cauliflower.
    Air Fryer instructions:
    This recipe can be prepared in your air fryer by cooking at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook the florets in two batches.
    Storing:
    Leftover roasted vegetables can be covered and refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl or enjoy at room temperature.
     
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    Nutrition

    Calories: 73kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 440mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is an estimation only.

    Want to learn the 5 Secrets to Cooking the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Way? Join the the FREE 5-day mini course and get the secrets delivered to your inbox.

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    About Amy

    Amy Katz is a vegan recipe developer, photographer, and Certified Vegan Nutrition Health Coach. She loves sharing delicious plant-based Mediterranean diet recipes that home cooks of all levels can enjoy. Her easy vegan recipes have been featured on NBC News, Parade, VegNews, BuzzFeed, MSN, Greatist, PureWow, Brides, LIVEKINDLY, Insider, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more. She lives in Orange County, California with the love of her life, Brad, and their adorable black cat, Ozzy.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    All commentsQuestions
    1. Monse

      December 20, 2020 at 11:41 am

      Could I do Broccoli instead? And follow the same instructions?
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Amy Katz

        December 20, 2020 at 11:51 am

        Yes, that would be delicious!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Amy! As a Certified Vegan Nutrition Health Coach, my passion is creating vegan Mediterranean diet recipes to inspire everyone to choose plant-based meals more often. At Veggies Save The Day you'll find simple delicious recipes that are easy to make any night of the week.

    More about me →

    Summer Favorites

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    • Mediterranean Tomato and Zucchini Saute
    • Cauliflower Curry Vegan Grill Recipe
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    Most Popular

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    Amy holding an avocado like a heart

    Hi, I'm Amy! As a Certified Vegan Nutrition Health Coach, my passion is creating vegan Mediterranean diet recipes to inspire everyone to choose plant-based meals more often. At Veggies Save The Day you'll find simple delicious recipes that are easy to make any night of the week.

    More about me →

    Summer Favorites

    • Quick Italian White Bean Salad
    • Mediterranean Tomato and Zucchini Saute
    • Cauliflower Curry Vegan Grill Recipe
    • 5 Ingredient Vegan Lentil Salad

    Most Popular

    • Mediterranean Yellow Rice
    • 15 Minute Tomato Paste Pasta Sauce
    • Vegan Lemon Artichoke Pasta
    • Sauteed Green Beans with Mushrooms

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