Bang Bang Cauliflower

Bang Bang Cauliflower

This crispy, spicy, and sweet dish transforms cauliflower into a mouthwatering plant-based alternative to a popular comfort food. The combination of a crunchy coating and a sweet, tangy Bang Bang sauce makes it an irresistible choice for vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer, a side dish, or a main course, this recipe delivers a satisfying kick of flavor with every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Cauliflower

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any other plant-based milk)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Coating:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if desired)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/4 cup melted vegan butter or margarine
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar (optional)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Batter:

In a large bowl, whisk together the almond milkflourgarlic powderonion powdersmoked paprikasalt, and pepper. The batter should be smooth and thick enough to coat the cauliflower.

3. Make the Coating:

In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbsthymeoreganosmoked paprikasalt, and pepper.

4. Coat the Cauliflower:

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat the floret in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to ensure the coating sticks well.

5. Bake:

Place the coated cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.

6. Prepare the Sauce:

While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the hot saucevegan buttermaple syrup (if using), and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.

7. Toss the Cauliflower:

Once baked, remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss it in the sauce until well coated.

8. Bake Again:

Return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce caramelizes slightly and the cauliflower crisps up again.


Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 300
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 48g
    • Dietary Fiber: 6g
    • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 7g

Tips for Success:

  1. Use Fresh Cauliflower: For the best texture, make sure your cauliflower is fresh and firm.
  2. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
  3. Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level of the sauce by adding more or less hot sauce to suit your preference.
  4. Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.

Serving Suggestions:

  • As an Appetizer: Serve these crispy cauliflower bites with a side of vegan ranch for dipping.
  • In Tacos: Add the cauliflower “chicken” to a soft taco shell with shredded lettuce, avocado, and salsa.
  • In Wraps: Use it as a filling for wraps, paired with fresh vegetables and vegan mayo for a quick lunch option.

This Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower ” is a healthy, flavorful, and ethical alternative to traditional fried chicken. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these crispy cauliflower bites will delight your taste buds and provide a satisfying plant-based meal.