Sticky Honey Garlic Roasted Avocado Boats
These Sticky Honey Garlic Roasted Avocado Boats take the creamy richness of ripe avocados and transform them with a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy honey garlic glaze. Roasting intensifies the flavors and adds a slightly caramelized crust to the surface of the avocado. The result is a beautifully balanced dish with contrasting textures and bold, mouthwatering flavor.
Whether served as a plant-based entrée, elegant side dish, or creative starter, this recipe is quick to make, deeply satisfying, and packed with healthy fats and antioxidants.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2–4 (depending on serving size)
Ingredients
For the Roasted Avocado Boats:
2 ripe avocados (halved and pitted)
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: squeeze of lemon or lime (to prevent browning)
For the Sticky Honey Garlic Glaze:
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Topping Ideas (Optional but Recommended):
Toasted sesame seeds
Thinly sliced green onions
Crushed peanuts or cashews
Chili flakes or sriracha drizzle
Lime wedges
Instructions
Prep the Avocados
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice avocados in half and remove pits. Scoop out a small bit of the center to create room for the glaze.
Lightly brush the flesh with oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place avocado halves flesh-side up on a small baking dish or lined sheet pan.
Roast the Avocados
Roast in the oven for about 10–12 minutes, until warm and slightly golden on top. (Don’t overcook or they’ll become mushy.)
Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
While avocados roast, heat a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened and sticky. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Avocado Boats
Remove avocados from the oven and carefully spoon warm honey garlic glaze into each hollow.
Let the glaze seep slightly into the avocado’s center.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with your favorite toppings like sesame seeds, green onions, or crushed nuts.
Serve immediately as-is or with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad.
Pro Tips for Perfect Avocado Boats
Use Just-Ripe Avocados
Choose avocados that are ripe but still firm. Overripe ones will become mushy when roasted, while underripe ones won’t absorb the glaze well.
Don’t Over-Roast
Avocados only need about 10–12 minutes in the oven. Watch closely—too much heat will cause them to collapse or turn bitter.
Create a Glaze Well
Scoop a little extra avocado flesh from the center so there’s a good “bowl” to hold your sticky glaze.
Thicken the Glaze Slightly
Simmer the glaze just enough so it clings to a spoon. Too thin and it will slide right off the avocados.
Add a Citrus Pop
A light squeeze of lime or lemon right before serving adds freshness and balance to the sweet and savory profile.
Tasty Variations
Spicy Kick Version
Add more red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha or chili crisp oil into the glaze for serious heat lovers.
Stuffed & Roasted
Add cooked quinoa, crispy chickpeas, or shredded chicken to the hollow before drizzling with glaze for a heartier dish.
Umami Bomb
Sauté diced mushrooms or tofu in the honey garlic sauce and stuff them into the avocados after roasting.
Sweet & Crunchy
Top with thin carrot ribbons, pomegranate seeds, or crushed candied nuts for extra texture and color contrast.
Salad Sidekick
Serve with a bed of arugula or spinach drizzled in citrus vinaigrette to turn the dish into a light meal.
Bowl It
Slice roasted avocado and serve over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice with extra glaze and toppings for a deconstructed version.
Vegan Version
Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey to keep it 100% plant-based.
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can roast the avocados and make the glaze a few hours in advance. Just reheat slightly before serving. Avoid slicing avocados too early—they brown quickly.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–6 minutes or warm briefly in a skillet. Microwaving is not recommended as it may make the avocado mushy.
Q: Can I use unroasted avocados?
A: Yes! Skip the oven and just fill fresh, raw avocado halves with warm honey garlic glaze for a no-cook version. The flavor will be milder and creamier.
Q: Is this a main dish or a side?
A: It works well as a light entrée, an appetizer, or a side dish. Add a protein or grain base to bulk it up into a full meal.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)
Nutrient | Approximate Value |
---|---|
Calories | ~240 kcal |
Protein | ~2g |
Carbohydrates | ~14g |
Sugars | ~10g |
Fat | ~20g |
Saturated Fat | ~3g |
Fiber | ~7g |
Sodium | ~240mg |
Note: Based on 1/2 avocado with glaze per serving. Toppings not included. Exact values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Conclusion
These Sticky Honey Garlic Roasted Avocado Boats are an inventive twist on traditional roasted or stuffed avocado recipes. The balance of sweet honey, umami-rich soy, bold garlic, and creamy avocado delivers a flavor explosion with minimal effort.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, sharing small plates, or impressing guests with something unexpected, this recipe checks every box—fast, flavorful, and healthy.