Description
This Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe offers a crispy, flavorful twist on a popular appetizer by using cauliflower florets coated in a seasoned batter and baked or air fried to perfection. Tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce made from Thai sweet chili sauce, vegan mayo, and sriracha, this dish is both delicious and entirely plant-based, making it perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Coating
- 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 the Cauliflower Florets: Cut the small head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened non-dairy milk, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and sea salt until smooth. This will serve as the wet coating for the cauliflower.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it is thoroughly coated. Then, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs to evenly coat the batter-covered florets, providing a crunchy exterior once cooked.
- Choose Cooking Method: For Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through to ensure even crispiness and a golden-brown finish. For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd. Air fry for 15-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for an even crisp.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine the Thai sweet chili sauce, vegan mayo, sriracha (if using), and nutritional yeast (if using). Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Toss and Serve: Once the cauliflower is cooked and crispy, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the bang bang sauce over the florets and toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can use either regular or gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to suit dietary preferences.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your preferred spice level.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor but is optional.
- If baking, flipping the florets halfway ensures they crisp up evenly.
- For air frying, avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness.
- Serve this dish as an appetizer, snack, or side dish with your favorite dipping sauce or additional bang bang sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (baking) or 20 minutes (air frying)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, Asian-inspired
