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Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower: Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistible!
If you’re looking for a vegan appetizer that’s crispy, spicy, creamy, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower! This recipe takes a humble cauliflower and transforms it into an irresistible, finger-licking treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. With a crispy golden crust, a sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce, and a burst of freshness from cilantro, this dish is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies cravings while being completely plant-based.
What makes this recipe truly amazing is how easy it is to prepare, yet how impressive it looks and tastes. The cauliflower is coated in a light batter and baked to perfection, giving it that crave-worthy crunch without the frying. Tossed in the creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy Bang Bang sauce, each bite is a perfect blend of sweet, heat, and savory goodness. Plus, the addition of fresh cilantro takes this dish to a whole new level with a refreshing pop of flavor. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional “bang bang” style appetizers, this cauliflower hits all the right notes!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab that head of cauliflower and let’s make a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire!
Bang Bang Cauliflower
Servings
4
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
25
minutesCalories
250
kcalIngredients:
- For the Cauliflower:
1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into florets)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (like almond or oat milk)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for added smokiness)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free panko if needed)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/4 cup vegan mayo
2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste for spice level)
1 tbsp maple syrup (or agave syrup)
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp rice vinegar
Pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Prepare the Cauliflower:
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, plant milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a smooth batter. - Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated.
Then, roll each floret in the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle the cauliflower florets with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. - Bake the Cauliflower:
Bake the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the florets are golden brown and crispy. - Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the cauliflower bakes, prepare the sauce by whisking together the vegan mayo, sriracha, maple syrup, rice vinegar, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl. Adjust the spice and sweetness by adding more sriracha or maple syrup as desired. - Toss the Cauliflower:
Once the cauliflower is crispy and golden, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute.
Place the baked cauliflower in a large bowl and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Toss to coat evenly. - Serve:
Serve the Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower immediately, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro. This adds a fresh, herby flavor to balance out the spicy, creamy sauce.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use chickpea flour instead of regular flour for the batter and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Make It Extra Crispy: If you want an even crispier texture, you can spray the cauliflower with cooking spray before baking or bake them on a wire rack to allow air circulation around the cauliflower.
Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the sriracha amount or substitute with a bit of hot sauce instead. For extra heat, increase the amount of sriracha.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the cauliflower ahead of time and store the breaded florets in the fridge. When ready to bake, just drizzle with oil and bake as instructed.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories220
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
10g
16%
- Saturated Fat 1g 5%
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Potassium 600mg 18%
- Total Carbohydrate
32g
11%
- Dietary Fiber 5g 20%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 4g 8%
- Vitamin A 2%
- Vitamin C 60%
- Calcium 4%
- Iron 6%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
