Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan bang bang cauliflower offers a perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors, making it a standout appetizer or meal. The dish is versatile, easy to prepare, and comes with options for breaded or plain cauliflower, baked or air-fried. It’s a healthier, plant-based alternative to traditional bang bang chicken wings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cauliflower (1 small head, cut into florets)
- Flour of choice (regular or gluten-free)
- Unsweetened non-dairy milk
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and sea salt
- Thai sweet chili sauce
- Vegan mayo
- Sriracha (optional)
- Nutritional yeast (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- If battering, mix flour, non-dairy milk, and spices into a batter. Dip each floret in the batter, then coat in breadcrumbs. Arrange florets on the baking tray.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 15-25 minutes until crispy.
- Mix sweet chili sauce, vegan mayo, and sriracha to create the bang bang sauce. Toss cooked cauliflower in the sauce or drizzle over before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30-40 minutes
- Total time: 40-50 minutes
Variations
- Skip the batter for a lighter option; roast cauliflower with a touch of oil and spices.
- Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter sauce.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Use broccoli as a substitute for cauliflower.
- Create bang bang tacos by serving the cauliflower in tortillas with fresh veggies.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
FAQs
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice depends on how much sriracha you add. Adjust to your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
What can I serve with bang bang cauliflower?
Serve it with rice, noodles, or as a taco filling. It also works well as a standalone appetizer.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge.
How can I make it oil-free?
Bake the cauliflower without batter and skip the optional oil.
What is the best non-dairy milk for this recipe?
Unsweetened almond, soy, or flax milk works well. Avoid vanilla-flavored milk.
Can I use store-bought sweet chili sauce?
Yes, any store-bought variety works. Ensure it’s vegan.
Is there a nut-free option for the sauce?
Most vegan mayo brands are nut-free. Check the label to confirm.
How do I make this dish crispier?
For extra crispiness, spread the cauliflower out evenly on the tray and bake longer if needed.
Can I freeze leftovers?
The texture may change upon freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a short time.
Conclusion
Vegan bang bang cauliflower is a flavorful, versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy texture and bold sauce, it’s sure to impress vegans and non-vegans alike. Try it today for a healthier take on a classic favorite!
Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is a healthier, plant-based take on the popular bang bang chicken wings. This crispy, sweet, and spicy dish can be baked or air-fried and is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main meal. Pair it with rice, noodles, or serve as a taco filling for a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe.
Ingredients
- 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
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 3 tbsp vegan mayo
- 1-2 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for flavo
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking/Air-Frying:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) or air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Make the Batter:
In a bowl, mix the flour, non-dairy milk, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and sea salt until smooth. - Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then coat in panko breadcrumbs. Arrange on the prepared baking tray or air fryer basket, leaving space between the pieces. - Bake or Air Fry:
- For Baking: Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- For Air Frying: Air fry for 15-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine Thai sweet chili sauce, vegan mayo, and sriracha. Add nutritional yeast for extra flavor if desired. Adjust spice to taste. - Combine and Serve:
Toss the crispy cauliflower in the bang bang sauce or drizzle it over the top. Serve immediately as an appetizer, side, or main dish.
Notes
- For a lighter option, skip the batter and roast the cauliflower with a drizzle of oil and spices.
- Make it gluten-free by substituting with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Add a touch of maple syrup or honey (if not strictly vegan) for a sweeter sauce.
- Create bang bang tacos by adding the cauliflower to tortillas with fresh veggies and toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked or Air-Fried
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
