Jamaican Jerk Cauliflower Recipe – Crispy & Flavorful Roast

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Jamaican Jerk Cauliflower Recipe – Crispy & Flavorful Roast

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. I stumbled upon Jamaican Jerk seasoning a few years ago and have been obsessed ever since. It’s seriously a flavor bomb! This roasted cauliflower is a fantastic way to enjoy those incredible Caribbean vibes, and honestly, it’s so good even my meat-loving friends ask for seconds. It’s a surprisingly easy side dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Jamaican Jerk Cauliflower isn’t just delicious, it’s also super versatile. It’s a fantastic side for grilled chicken or fish, but honestly, I often eat it as a main course with a side of rice and beans. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Plus, roasting brings out a wonderful sweetness in the cauliflower that pairs perfectly with the spicy jerk seasoning.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful roast:

• 10 ounce (about 280g) cauliflower florets
• 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin powder
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 0.5 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
• 0.5 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 0.5 tablespoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1.5 teaspoon salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best flavor!

• Jamaican Jerk Seasoning: This is the star of the show! You can find pre-made blends in most supermarkets or online. The heat level can vary a lot between brands, so start with less and add more to taste. Traditionally, jerk seasoning includes scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and a blend of other spices.
• Coconut Sugar: I love using coconut sugar because it adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness that complements the jerk seasoning beautifully. You can substitute with brown sugar or maple syrup if you don’t have coconut sugar on hand.
• White Pepper: Don’t skip the white pepper! It has a different flavor profile than black pepper – a bit more earthy and pungent. It really adds depth to the spice blend. It’s not something I always have, but it makes a difference here!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get this cauliflower in the oven!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
2. In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, olive oil, cumin powder, and Jamaican Jerk seasoning.
3. Now, get your hands in there! Toss everything together really well until the cauliflower is evenly coated in that gorgeous spice blend.
4. Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it won’t get crispy.
5. Roast for 25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and beautifully crispy. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.

Expert Tips

Want to take this recipe to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

• Don’t skip the toss! Ensuring every floret is coated in the spice mix is key to maximum flavor.
• Single layer is crucial. Overcrowding the pan will steam the cauliflower instead of roasting it.
• High heat is your friend. 400°F (200°C) is the sweet spot for getting that perfect crispy texture.

Variations

This recipe is super adaptable. Here are a few ideas to spice things up (pun intended!):

• Vegan Adaptation: It already is vegan! Just double-check your jerk seasoning doesn’t contain any sneaky animal products.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with 1 tablespoon of jerk seasoning and omit the cayenne pepper. If you like it really spicy, add an extra pinch of cayenne or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Air Fryer Option: You can absolutely make this in an air fryer! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Festival Adaptations: My friend, Priya, makes this as part of a huge Caribbean feast for her birthday every year. It’s amazing alongside rice and peas, jerk chicken, and plantains!

Serving Suggestions

This Jamaican Jerk Cauliflower is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it:

• With grilled chicken or fish
• As a side dish for rice and beans
• Served with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt (optional, but adds a nice cooling effect)
• As part of a Caribbean-inspired meal

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore some of the crispiness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is Jamaican Jerk seasoning and where can I find it? Jamaican Jerk seasoning is a spice blend originating from Jamaica, traditionally used to marinate meats. You can find it in most supermarkets in the international aisle, or online.
• Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before tossing it with the spices.
• How can I adjust the spice level of this dish? Start with less jerk seasoning and cayenne pepper, and add more to taste.
• What is the best way to ensure the cauliflower gets crispy? Make sure the cauliflower is spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and that the oven is hot enough.
• Can this be made ahead of time? You can toss the cauliflower with the spices ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just roast it when you’re ready to serve.