Roasted Cauliflower with Turmeric and Lime

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4.84 from 6 votes

If you’re looking for a simple and flavorful way to make cauliflower, this turmeric roasted cauliflower with lime is one of my go-to side dishes. It’s tossed with olive oil, fresh lime juice, and turmeric, then roasted until golden and lightly crisp. The bright yellow color might surprise you, but the flavor is so good that even picky eaters love it!

A large silver serving dish filled with roasted turmeric cauliflower.

❤️ Sandi’s Recipe Summary

  • It is a surprise favorite in our house. I couldn’t believe my picky eater liked it!
  • This cauliflower recipe is easy to make in the oven or air fryer.
  • I created this recipe with simple, fresh ingredients.
  • It is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
  • Reader Review

    “I made this tonight for dinner. I loved it and will definitely make it again. Thanks, Fearless Dining!”
    Renee
    Blog comment

This easy side dish is guaranteed to be a winner in your family! It isn’t often I will guarantee something, but this turmeric cauliflower was such a huge surprise. I didn’t expect my kids to devour it! This recipe was inspired by a recipe I had at a local takeaway place run by a caterer. It is no longer in business, but this turmeric and curry-flavored roasted cauliflower has stayed in my mind for years.

Don’t forget to check out all of my kid-approved side dish recipes. Let me know which ones your kids liked best. If you enjoy cauliflower, you may also enjoy these Mexican Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks.

Ingredient Notes:

For the full list of ingredients and amounts, please go to the recipe card below.

  • Cauliflower – Use fresh cauliflower, not frozen. Frozen cauliflower will turn out soggy.
  • Turmeric – A little turmeric goes a long way in flavor. Note it can stain your hands, so use a spoon and not your hands when handling the cauliflower.
  • Curry Powder – Adds a slight sweetness and blends really well with the lime flavor.
  • Lime – Use fresh lime.
  • Oil – Any type of oil can be used for roasting. I used avocado oil. (Note: If using an air fryer, you must use an oil that has a high smoking point.
  • Salt and Pepper – Use to taste.
Sandi holding a tray of biscuits that are going in the oven to bake.

A Note From My Kitchen

You can chop your cauliflower into florets or opt for a pre-cut bag to save time. I’ve used both, and it always turns out great. Sometimes I cut the cauliflower into thick “steaks” for fun presentation, but florets are just as tasty. If you’re short on time or it’s too hot for the oven, the air fryer works really well. Let me know what you think of this recipe by sharing a comment below.

I hope you will move past the bright neon yellow color and give this oven-roasted turmeric cauliflower recipe a try. It is so good! If you love turmeric, give this delicious Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks recipe or this Turmeric Chicken Wings recipe a try!

Chopped cauliflower on a cutting board.

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How to Make Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower:

  • Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
  • Cut a head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets, or slice it into thick steaks for a different presentation.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, turmeric, and any additional seasonings (such as garlic powder or curry powder).
  • Toss the cauliflower in the mixture until all florets are evenly coated, then spread it in a single layer on the baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the cauliflower florets. You want them to cook all over evenly.
  • You can also cook this in an air fryer, which is handy during the summer when you don’t want to use your oven.
  • Serve hot

👀 Sandi Says: Don’t worry if the cauliflower turns deep yellow. It’s normal with turmeric! The color will mellow slightly as it roasts.

Air Fryer Directions:

  • Prepare the cauliflower as listed in the steps above.
  • Spray the air fryer with a high smoke point oil.
  • Add the cauliflower to the air fryer basket. Try not to overcrowd so the florets can cook all around.
  • Roast on 375ºF for 13-15 minutes.

🔑 Sandi says: Cauliflower steaks will take a bit longer to cook because they are thicker. Poke with a fork to check for tenderness before serving.

Storage Tips:

Store this cauliflower in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep fresh for up to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this cauliflower because it will become mushy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you cut cauliflower into steaks?

The easiest way to cut cauliflower into steaks is to place the head of the cauliflower stem-side down on a cutting board. Use a knife to cut down thick slices.

Someone asked if you should steam cauliflower before roasting it.

Don’t steam your cauliflower. It will prevent it from getting slightly crisp edges, which are so tasty!

How do you prevent mushy cauliflower?

Try not to cut into all of the florets. Keep florets whole, then oil and season from there.

Turmeric cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet.

For a kick of spice, dust the cauliflower with crushed red pepper! Serve this cauliflower side dish with my Mandarin Roasted Chicken or this Gluten-Free Oven Fried Chicken and a slice of my Gluten-Free Naan.

I know bright-colored foods can look a bit scary, but trust me, I know! But if you just try this recipe, you will be surprised. It has incredible flavor…even Mr. Fearless Dining will eat this cauliflower.

Love This Recipe?

💬 Did you make this gluten-free turmeric cauliflower recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out. Your feedback helps others (and helps me keep improving these recipes for you). ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A large silver serving dish filled with roasted cauliflower.

Quick and Easy Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower

Sandi Gaertner
Easy curried turmeric lime cauliflower side dish. This dish can be made as florets or cauliflower steaks.
4.84 from 6 votes
dairy free allergen icon
an egg free allergen icon
gluten free allergy icon
nut free allergen icon
soy free allergy icon
A vegan icon.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Gluten Free Side Dish Recipes
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6 people
Calories 89 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375º F.
  • Chop 1 head of cauliflower and put the florets into a bowl.
  • Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and toss with the cauliflower to mix.
  • Add 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste Mix to coat the cauliflower with the seasonings.
  • Put the cauliflower in a greased dish and bake for 20 minutes until the cauliflower is roasted.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

  1. You can cut your cauliflower into florets or steaks. To cut as steaks, place your cauliflower head stem side down. Use a knife to cut thick slices.
  2. Feel free to add some spice by adding crushed red pepper flakes!
  3. This cauliflower will keep fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  4. If you prefer to cook this in your air fryer, follow the directions in my Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks recipe.

SPECIAL NOTE

Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, my rule of thumb is to add more flour if your dough or batter is wet and add more liquid if the dough or batter is too dry!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 89kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 29mgPotassium: 306mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 48mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
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Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

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I truly hope you enjoy this recipe. I have been testing and creating gluten-free recipes for over 15 years. Creating gluten-free recipes that do not taste gluten-free is my goal for every recipe. Sometimes I only have to test a new recipe a couple of times, and others it takes multiple times. I do this so you get reliable, delicious results every time!

4.84 from 6 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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6 Comments

  1. I made this tonight for dinner. I loved it and will definitely make it again. Thanks Fearless Dining!