Jamaican Jerk Roasted Cauliflower

Name: Jamaican Jerk Roasted Cauliflower
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Highlighted under: International World Food Collection

I absolutely love making Jamaican Jerk Roasted Cauliflower because it brings a fiery and aromatic kick to the table. The process of marinating the cauliflower in a spicy jerk blend infuses it with flavor, while roasting achieves a satisfying crispness. Whether I serve it as a main dish or a side, the combination of spices and the natural sweetness of the cauliflower is always a hit in my kitchen. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that impresses my guests without taking too much time for preparation!

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-05T22:41:34.441Z

When I first tried Jamaican Jerk Roasted Cauliflower, I was amazed by how much flavor can come from such a humble vegetable. The key is in the marinade; letting the cauliflower soak up all those spices transforms it into a dish with depth and character. I've learned that high heat during roasting caramelizes the edges, adding a lovely texture that contrasts beautifully with the tenderness of the florets.

Another tip I swear by is to double the marinade and set aside some before coating the cauliflower. This way, I can brush some on during cooking for an extra kick of flavor. It’s an exciting way to elevate a simple ingredient and impress anyone I serve it to!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bold and flavorful jerk spices elevate simple cauliflower.
Crispy edges combined with tender centers make every bite delightful.
Great as a main dish or a show-stopping side for gatherings.

      

Mastering Jerk Seasoning

The heart of this recipe lies in the Jamaican jerk seasoning. This spice blend typically includes allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper, which are pivotal for achieving that iconic flavor. If you’re unable to find store-bought jerk seasoning, you can create your own blend using a mix of these spices along with garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cinnamon for warmth. Just be cautious with the scotch bonnet, as it can be very hot—start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat preference.

Marinating the cauliflower in this seasoning mix allows the spices to penetrate deeply, adding layers of flavor. The key here is to let it sit for at least 30 minutes, though a couple of hours in the refrigerator will infuse even more depth. If you're short on time, you can still achieve good results, but I recommend making it ahead for the best taste.

Roasting Technique

When it comes to roasting the cauliflower, spreading the florets in a single layer on the baking sheet is crucial. This ensures that each piece gets adequately exposed to the hot air in the oven, allowing for even crisping. If the florets are crowded, they tend to steam rather than roast, leading to less desirable texture. You should aim for a golden-brown color on the edges, which typically signals that you’ve achieved that perfect balance of crisp exterior and tender interior.

To enhance crispiness, consider flipping the florets halfway through the roasting process. This simple technique exposes all sides to the heat, maximizing the roasting effect. If you notice after 25 minutes that they are not yet golden, don’t hesitate to leave them in for an additional 5 minutes, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients listed below to create a deliciously spiced Jamaican Jerk Roasted Cauliflower.

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready to achieve a flavorful and colorful dish.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Jamaican Jerk Roasted Cauliflower perfectly.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a hot environment for roasting.

Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, jerk seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Marinate the Cauliflower

Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss them until well-coated with the marinade.

Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread the marinated cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Roast

Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy, tossing halfway through.

Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve warm.

Enjoy your flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños to the marinade. Also, serving this alongside a cooling yogurt or avocado dip can balance the spice beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This Jamaican Jerk Roasted Cauliflower can take center stage as a vegetarian main or serve as a vibrant side dish. To create a more filling meal, pair it with quinoa or rice and some black beans to boost the protein content. Adding a dollop of creamy avocado or a tangy yogurt sauce can also balance the spicy notes, making for a satisfying dish.

For a fun twist, you could use the roasted cauliflower in tacos. Simply shred it with some slaw and avocado, and serve it on warm corn tortillas for a flavorful feast. This versatility makes it a fantastic dish to enjoy on its own or as part of an elaborate spread during gatherings.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can pop them back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some of that initial crispness, instead of using a microwave which can make them soggy. This will help keep the textures intact and the flavors fresh.

If you’re looking to prepare this dish in advance, you can marinate the cauliflower the night before and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to roast it. This not only saves time on the day of serving but also enhances the flavor as it sits. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before roasting for an even cook.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower?

Yes, you can substitute with broccoli or Brussels sprouts, but be mindful of cooking times.

→ How can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.

→ What can I serve with Jamaican Jerk Roasted Cauliflower?

It pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can marinate the cauliflower a few hours in advance and roast it just before serving for the best texture.