Description
This Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe is a flavorful and crispy plant-based dish featuring bite-sized cauliflower florets coated in a seasoned batter, baked or air fried to perfection, and tossed in a tangy, spicy vegan bang bang sauce. Ideal as an appetizer or a snack, it delivers a crunchy texture with a creamy, slightly sweet and spicy coating that pleases both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Breading
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ¾ cup flour of choice (regular or gluten-free)
- ¾ cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat milk)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp sea salt
Bang Bang Sauce
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 3 tbsp vegan mayo
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Pat dry any excess moisture to help the batter stick better.
- Make Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, non-dairy milk, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and sea salt until smooth and free of lumps.
- Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter to fully coat it, then dredge it in the panko breadcrumbs until evenly covered. Set aside on a plate.
- Choose Cooking Method: For Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated cauliflower florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack.
- Bake Cauliflower: Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness and a golden finish.
- Air Fry Cauliflower: Alternatively, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: While cauliflower cooks, mix the Thai sweet chili sauce, vegan mayo, sriracha (if using), and nutritional yeast in a small bowl until well combined.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Once cooked and crispy, transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl and toss with the bang bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a delicious appetizer or snack, garnished with extra chili flakes or chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can use regular or gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Sriracha is optional depending on your spice tolerance; omit or add more to adjust heat.
- Make sure cauliflower pieces are dry before battering to help the coating stick properly.
- For extra crispiness when baking, use a wire rack to allow air circulation around the cauliflower.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and crisped up again in the air fryer or oven.
