Crunchy Honey Garlic Cauliflower – A Veggie Treat

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced

For the Sauce:

• 6 tbsp honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 6 tbsp water + 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp sriracha sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread panko breadcrumbs evenly on the baking sheet and lightly coat with cooking spray. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
2. Coat the Cauliflower: While the breadcrumbs are toasting, dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off before coating each floret with the toasted panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated cauliflower on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake: Once all the cauliflower florets are coated, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and the coating is golden brown and crunchy.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, onion powder, soy sauce, and sriracha sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
6. Serve: Once the cauliflower is cooked, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a serving dish. Drizzle the warm honey garlic sauce over the cauliflower and garnish with thinly sliced scallions.
7. Enjoy: Serve your crunchy honey garlic cauliflower as a delicious appetizer or main dish alongside your favorite sides. The combination of crispy cauliflower and sweet-savory sauce is sure to be a hit with vegetarians and meat-eaters alike!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information: Each serving contains approximately 320 calories.

This extended version provides more detailed instructions and information for each step of the recipe, ensuring that even beginner cooks can successfully recreate this delicious vegetarian dish.