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Easy Golden Cauliflower Dish

Featured in Tasty Vegetarian Meals Made Simple.

Want to turn cauliflower into something irresistible? Just grab some curry powder, oil, and a bit of salt! Break it into florets, toss everything together, and sear in a hot pan to get that nice golden color before roasting in the oven. It’s quick—around 30 minutes—and the crispy edges with warm curry notes really stand out. Even my picky eaters love this one! Add a squirt of lemon juice and a sprinkle of herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Leftovers? Just reheat to bring back the crunch. An easy, flavor-packed veggie side you’ll find yourself making all the time.
Emily Watson
Updated on Sun, 02 Mar 2025 02:39:49 GMT
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Easy Golden Cauliflower Dish | thefamilycooks.com

Perfect Roasted Cauliflower transforms ordinary florets into irresistibly golden, crispy bites. This simple technique yields restaurant-quality results with caramelized edges and tender centers in just 30 minutes.

Key Ingredients

  • Cauliflower head: choose firm, white florets without discoloration
  • Avocado oil: ideal for high-heat roasting
  • Middle Eastern spices: shawarma or curry blend adds warmth
  • Kosher salt: brings out natural flavors
  • Fresh garlic cloves: develops sweet roasted notes

Preparation Method

  1. Cut cauliflower into uniform 1.5-inch florets for even cooking
  2. Thoroughly coat pieces with oil and seasonings
  3. Sear in hot skillet until golden, working in batches
  4. Roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning once
  5. Finish with fresh herbs and citrus
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Quick Crispy Cauliflower | thefamilycooks.com

Temperature Guidelines

Proper heat is essential - a consistently hot oven ensures crispy exteriors while keeping interiors tender.

Serving Ideas

Perfect alongside main dishes, in grain bowls, or as a nutritious snack with dipping sauce.

Storage Instructions

Store without covering in refrigerator. Reheat at high temperature to restore crispiness.

Seasoning Options

Experiment with Mediterranean herbs, Mexican seasonings, or classic garlic-parmesan combination.

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Quick Crispy Cauliflower | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the secret to crispy cauliflower?
Sear it first in a hot pan and then roast it at 450°F. Spread the pieces out to avoid steaming.
→ What other spices work besides curry?
Shawarma seasoning or even a mix of cumin and paprika can bring loads of flavor.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Fresh is best, but store leftovers in the fridge—good for 3-4 days.
→ Why choose avocado oil?
It handles high heat without burning, which is great for this recipe.
→ Any ideas for serving this?
Top with fresh parsley, drizzle on tahini, or toss in some toasted nuts for extra flair.

Crunchy Curry Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets coated in curry spice, pan-fried, and baked until crisp at the edges with a warm, golden hue.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Middle Eastern twist

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Coating for the cauliflower

01 One big cauliflower head, broken into small florets (remove stems and tough core)
02 1 tablespoon of avocado or any neutral oil
03 A teaspoon of fine sea salt
04 Your choice of curry powder or shawarma spices, 1 tablespoon
05 A small drizzle of maple syrup, about 1/2 teaspoon (optional)

→ Oil for cooking

06 1 to 2 tablespoons of avocado oil or another cooking oil

→ Optional toppings

07 Chopped cilantro leaves
08 Toasted almond slivers
09 Creamy fresh tahini sauce

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 450°F (232°C) and grab a large, rimmed skillet that’s oven-proof, ideally cast iron.

Step 02

In a big bowl, mix the cauliflower florets with oil, salt, maple syrup (if you’re using), and your seasonings of choice. Toss everything well till the pieces are evenly coated.

Step 03

Heat up your skillet on medium-high flame with enough oil to cover the bottom. Once it’s hot, add the cauliflower in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!). Cook and turn occasionally for about 5 minutes, letting them get a golden-brown sear.

Step 04

Pop the skillet into the oven and roast it on the middle rack for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. You’re aiming for crispy edges, tender insides, and a nice caramelized color.

Step 05

Sprinkle with some fresh chopped cilantro, toasted almonds, and/or drizzle some tahini over the top if you’d like. Serve it up fresh and hot for the best taste and crunch!

Notes

  1. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, but it’s way better freshly made.
  2. Freezing isn’t recommended for this one.
  3. To toast your almonds, just toss them in a dry pan on medium heat and keep stirring for 5 minutes until they’re golden and fragrant.
  4. Keep the skillet or pan from being too crowded if you want that perfect crispy cauliflower.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large oven-proof skillet with raised edges (cast iron works great)
  • A big bowl for mixing
  • Measuring spoons for the ingredients

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • If you’re using almonds, this dish contains tree nuts.
  • Using tahini means sesame is also included.