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 tsp 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
