Description
This vegan bang bang cauliflower recipe features crispy baked cauliflower florets coated in a spicy-sweet sauce, perfect for serving as an appetizer or main course. The crunchy texture of the panko-crusted cauliflower pairs beautifully with the creamy and tangy bang bang sauce, creating a flavorful dish that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter:
- 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breadcrumb Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions (sliced)
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, plant-based milk, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to form a batter.
- Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Place coated florets on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and maple syrup to make the bang bang sauce.
- Toss and garnish: Once baked, toss the cauliflower in the sauce or drizzle it on top. Garnish with chives and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For an air fryer version, cook the coated cauliflower at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Adjust sriracha to control the spice level.
- Serve as an appetizer, snack, or over rice for a main dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
