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• What Happened With My Gochujang Cauliflower Experiment
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Gochujang Cauliflower
• My Recipe Tips
• Gochujang Cauliflower Recipe card
• Serving Ideas
• Recipe Reviews

What Happened With My Gochujang Cauliflower Experiment

My gochujang cauliflower (pronounced go-choo-jahng ) is simply roasted cauliflower tossed in a sweet, spicy, and savory chili paste sauce. I’ve never seen a dish like this before, but made it up one night when I had a jar of gochujang paste to use up after making my sockeye salmon recipe . I mixed up the sauce first and couldn’t stop licking it off the spoon, then it hit me to toss it over cauliflower… and here we are! This is why I fell in love with this experiment:

• Sweet, spicy, savory, and sticky sauce – This. Sauce. Is. Everything. The gochujang adds a slow-building heat, my zero sugar honey balances it with sweetness, and butter rounds it out with richness. This dish is a lot like my buffalo cauliflower , but with a sticky sweet chili sauce instead of the hot buffalo.
• Tender cauliflower with crispy, cheesy coating – You can roast the cauliflower plain, but I opted to toss itr in parmesan to give it a golden crust and savory crunch. Kind of like my broccoli and cauliflower recipe .
• Quick and easy prep – It only takes about 10 minutes to get the cauliflower in the oven, and the sauce comes together while it roasts. Perfect for weeknights!

I like serving this dish as a side with a protein as well as on its own as a snack or appetizer. Make it with me, and you’ll see why this little experiment turned into one of my favorite ways to do cauliflower!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my gochujang cauliflower recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Cauliflower – I usually cut up a whole head into florets, but pre-bagged works fine if you’re short on time. Cut them about the same size, so they roast evenly.
• Gochujang Paste – This Korean chili paste is spicy, slightly sweet, and savory all at once. Some brands are highly processed, but this organic one is pretty clean.
• Honey – A touch gives the sauce som sweetness. I use my Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Honey to avoid extra sugar, but regular works just fine.
• Butter – Mellows out the sauce and makes it richer. If you’re dairy-sensitive, you can substitute ghee or even butter-flavored coconut oil .
• Olive Oil , Spices, & Grated Parmesan Cheese – For roasting the cauliflower. I seasoned it with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and grated parm for a nutty, golden coating. Feel free to use avocado oil, or skip the cheese.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning – I originally planned to top this gochujang cauliflower with sesame seeds, but I had this jar of everything seasoning and just went for it, and it was the best. These are not even the usual flavors that go with gochujang, but somehow the salty spice blend just worked perfectly with the sweet kick of the sauce. Feel free to use straight sesame seeds, though!
• Green Onions – Totally optional, but I like sprinkling them on top at the end. They add a fresh bite that balances the richness of the sauce.

How To Make Gochujang Cauliflower

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Season. Toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, then add Parmesan and toss again.
2. Roast. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast until the edges are golden brown and crisp.

1. Make the sauce. Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Whisk in the gochujang paste and honey, until smooth.
2. Toss together. Transfer the crispy cauliflower to a bowl, pour the sauce over it, and toss until every floret is coated. I sprinkle the gochujang cauliflower with everything seasoning and green onions for a little extra crunch and freshness.

My Recipe Tips

• Cut florets to a similar size. I aim for about 1 inch in diameter and 1.5 to 2 inches long. You can cut them larger if you prefer, they’ll just take a little longer. I prefer smaller ones because they get extra crispy, but big ones take longer and won’t soak up as much sauce.
• Give the cauliflower space. You want it to crisp up, so leave a little room between the florets so they all touch the pan. I use this baking sheet and it’s the perfect size for this recipe.
• Gochujang has a slow-building spice. I use two tablespoons, but if you’re sensitive to heat, start with less and taste as you go.
• This sauce isn’t just for gochujang cauliflower. Try tossing it with baked wings or air fryer wings for a sweet chili style upgrade!
• If you’d rather use the air fryer, go for it. Just season the cauliflower and follow my air fryer cauliflower recipe for the timing.

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 head Cauliflower (cut into florets) ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1/4 cup Grated parmesan cheese ▢
• 6 tbsp Unsalted butter ▢
• 2 tbsp Gochujang paste ▢
• 2 tbsp Honey (I used Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Honey ) ▢
• 1 tbsp Everything bagel seasoning (optional, for topping) ▢
• 1/4 cup Green onions (sliced; optional, for topping) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the grated parmesan and toss again.
3. Spread the cauliflower on a large baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast cauliflower in the oven for 25-30 minutes , tossing halfway through, until browned on the edges.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl in the microwave or a saucepan on the stove, melt the butter. Remove from heat, and whisk in the gochujang paste and honey, until smooth.
6. Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a bowl and pour the gochujang sauce over it. Toss to coat.
7. If you like, sprinkle the gochujang cauliflower with everything seasoning and green onions for serving.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best flavor and texture in this dish.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you can, keep the sauce separate because it makes the florets soggy over time.
• Meal prep: You can cut the cauliflower into florets a day or two ahead, or even roast them in advance. Just add the sauce right before serving.
• Reheat: Warm in a 325 degree F oven or even the air fryer works.
• Note on nutrition info: I didn’t include the optional everything seasoning or green onions, but they don’t change the numbers much.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Gochujang Cauliflower

Serving Ideas

Whenever I make gochujang cauliflower, I like to mix and match it with different mains, and here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Weeknight Meals – Even though it’s not the most traditional combo, I love serving this with easy proteins like my flaky baked salmon or pan seared ribeye . Both are simple but full of flavor, and the cauliflower sauce still ties right in.
• Korean Cuisine – This gochujang cauliflower is a natural match with my sockeye salmon (which also uses gochujang) or Korean beef bowl .
• Asian Inspired – I’ve served this as a starter to other favorites like honey sriracha chicken , crispy pork belly , or a quick chicken or beef stir fry .

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Gochujang Cauliflower

My easy gochujang cauliflower has tender, cheesy florets tossed in sticky sweet chili sauce. A bold, flavorful appetizer or side dish!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/gochujang-cauliflower/

Ingredients

• 1 head Cauliflower (cut into florets)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/4 cup Grated parmesan cheese
• 6 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp Gochujang paste
• 2 tbsp Honey (I used Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Honey )
• 1 tbsp Everything bagel seasoning (optional, for topping)
• 1/4 cup Green onions (sliced; optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the grated parmesan and toss again.
3. Spread the cauliflower on a large baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast cauliflower in the oven for 25-30 minutes , tossing halfway through, until browned on the edges.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl in the microwave or a saucepan on the stove, melt the butter. Remove from heat, and whisk in the gochujang paste and honey, until smooth.
6. Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a bowl and pour the gochujang sauce over it. Toss to coat.
7. If you like, sprinkle the gochujang cauliflower with everything seasoning and green onions for serving.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best flavor and texture in this dish.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you can, keep the sauce separate because it makes the florets soggy over time.
• Meal prep: You can cut the cauliflower into florets a day or two ahead, or even roast them in advance. Just add the sauce right before serving.
• Reheat: Warm in a 325 degree F oven or even the air fryer works.
• Note on nutrition info: I didn’t include the optional everything seasoning or green onions, but they don’t change the numbers much.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)