Roasted Cauliflower with Savory Peanut Sauce

By Amanda Paa – Updated July 16, 2023
5 from 4 votes
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prunes recipe: Sweet and Spicy Roasted Cauliflower with Peanut Sauce

There is no shortage of cauliflower recipes on this blog, yet I keep creating more. Because I love this cruciferous vegetable, like really love it!

Today we’re making an easy, Thai inspired side dish that hits all the right notes: spicy, sweet, and salty. Even my cauliflower-skeptical family member loved it. Winning.

Cauliflower serves as the perfect vehicle for a savory peanut sauce because it absorbs all the flavors, yet retains its crispy edges – such a team player! Paired with the brightness of the cilantro and lime, plus rich prunes (or dates!), the balance of sweet and spicy is just perfect. Better than I even imagined they would be.

cauliflower with peanut sauce
Roasted Cauliflower with peanut sauce -- low carb

How to Roast Cauliflower:

Roasting cauliflower is a delicious and simple way to bring out its natural flavors and create a crispy, caramelized texture. Here are some tips to help you roast cauliflower to perfection:

  1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to a high temperature, around 425°F to ensure a nice browning and crispiness.
  2. Prep the cauliflower: Start by removing the outer leaves and cutting the cauliflower head into florets of similar size. This will ensure even cooking.
  3. Toss with oil and seasonings: Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, or your preferred oil, to coat them evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Toss the florets gently to ensure they are well coated.
  4. Arrange on a baking sheet: Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Crowding the pan can cause steaming instead of roasting, so if needed, use multiple sheets or bake in batches.
  5. Roast to perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and nicely browned. For extra crispiness, you can give them a toss halfway through cooking.
  6. Check for doneness: The cauliflower should be fork-tender with a golden-brown color. You can taste a piece to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Cauliflower with Peanut Sauce
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Cauliflower with Prunes

More Cauliflower Recipes:

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Vegan Roasted Cauliflower with Savory Peanut Sauce

Tender roasted cauliflower is tossed with a savory thai peanut sauce, lime juice, and and prunes or dates!
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time :10 minutes
Cook Time :35 minutes
Total Time :45 minutes
Yield: 5 servings
Author: Amanda Paa

SCALE:

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup sliced prunes or dates
  • Cilantro, crushed peanuts, and lime juice for garnish

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Toss cauliflower with olive oil and salt. Spread on large baking sheet, being sure not too crowd.
  • Roast for 25-35 minutes, stirring once, until cauliflower is tender when a fork pierces through it and golden brown.
  • While cauliflower is roasting, whisk together peanut butter, water, vinegar, lime juice, red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  • Remove cauliflower from oven, and put on a platter. Sprinkle with prunes, cilantro, and crushed peanuts. Drizzle with peanut sauce. Give entire dish a big squeeze of lime juice all over top. Serve.

Did you make this?

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October 10, 2019

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10 comments

  1. Diane

    5 stars
    Made this for a group dinner and it was a hit! Followed recipe but used cilantro paste ad had no fresh…still turned out delish!

    • Amanda Paa

      Yay, I”m so glad to hear it was enjoyed by your group!

  2. DC

    Greetings Amanda!
    I have not tried roasting cauliflower, maybe because I wonder how it can be nutritious when it is baked at high temperature and burned. I like the idea of the recipe as it is a way to get protein with the peanut butter. I usually gently steam a whole head of cauliflower in a pot to retain the precious nutrients and I wonder if that will be okay for this recipe.

    • Amanda Paa

      Hello! The sauce would be great on steamed cauliflower as well!

  3. Carla

    This looks so good and will be dinner once I buy some prunes! I’m curious. I live in the town of Sonoma (for 35 years!!) and have never heard of prunes being grown or celebrated here. Could you give more info on where you saw a prune harvest? I’d go next time! Thanks.

    • Amanda Paa

      I don’t know the exact farms, but there are many plum growers in and around Napa Valley and Sacramento!

  4. Ann

    This is absolutely fab! Such a great side dish! I have no doubts the ingredients really work together and create a delicious meal. This balance of sweet and spicy is perfect.
    Amanda, thank you so much for this inspiration. It seems that I’ve just fallen in love with your blog. Look forward to your new awesome ideas. Keep it up!

    Best wishes,
    Ann

  5. Cassie Autumn Tran

    Me oh my, roasted cauliflower and peanut sauce?! WINNING! But the coombination of prunes is intriguing–didn’t think they would complement cauliflower and peanuts, but since it’s a dried fruit like raisins and cranberries, the triple threat makes sense! Anyhow, I have been seeing Crazy Richard’s PB EVERYWHERE online and I am so tempted to try it. The fact that it’s 100% peanuts really impresses me!

  6. ReaderRita

    Boy howdy, does this ever sound good. I love prunes, and I knew they had plenty of minerals, but I had no idea about the bone benefits- that is great! One more reason to eat them (not like I need another, lol).
    Thank you for this!

  7. Sher

    This is the first thing that’s sounded good to me in a very long time. So good, Amanda. I can’t wait to make it. xo