Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Crispy, flavorful, and completely plant-based, these Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main course over rice, this recipe is sure to impress. Coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, they offer a delightful taste experience that is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cauliflower:
• For the Vegan Bang Bang Sauce:
• For Garnish:
• How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
• Step 1: Prep the Oven or Air Fryer
• Step 2: Batter and Panko Coating
• Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
• Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
• Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
• Step 6: Toss and Serve
• How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
• As an Appetizer
• Over Rice
• In Tacos
• On Salads
• In Buddha Bowls
• How to Perfect Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
• Best Side Dishes for Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
• Reheating Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower so special?
• Can I make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free?
• How do I customize my Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?
• What are some serving suggestions for Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?
• How do I store leftover Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The combination of batter and Panko bread crumbs results in a perfectly crispy coating.
• Flavor Explosion: The creamy bang bang sauce adds the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy these cauliflower wings alone or serve them over rice for a filling meal.
• Quick Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is quick to prepare.
• Plant-Based Delight: A great addition for vegan diets or anyone looking to enjoy more veggies.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower, you’ll need a few essential tools that will make the process easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking tray
• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Wide bowl for Panko bread crumbs

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking tray: Provides a sturdy surface for cooking the cauliflower evenly.
• Silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and ensures extra crispiness without using excess oil.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the batter ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a lump-free batter consistency.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups large florets)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon granulated onion
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1–1 1/2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
• 1–2 cups Panko bread crumbs (use gluten-free if needed)

For the Vegan Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 cup vegan mayo (homemade or store-bought)
• 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste, optional)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

For Garnish:

• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds

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How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Step 1: Prep the Oven or Air Fryer

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) or your air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking tray with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for best results.

Step 2: Batter and Panko Coating

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, granulated onion, garlic, ground ginger, sea salt, and black pepper. Make a well in the center of this dry mixture and pour in the non-dairy milk. Whisk until smooth; the batter should be thick but still drip off a spoon. Place some Panko bread crumbs in another wide bowl.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter until fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before rolling it in the Panko bread crumbs until completely covered. Arrange the coated florets on your lined baking tray with space between each piece.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

For baking: Bake for 15 minutes; then flip each floret and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. For air frying: Arrange florets in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 15–25 minutes while shaking halfway through until crispy.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While cooking, mix together Thai sweet chili sauce, vegan mayo, sriracha (if using), nutritional yeast (if using), and optional sea salt in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Once cooked, toss the crispy cauliflower in the bang bang sauce until well-coated. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving immediately on its own or over rice for a satisfying meal.

How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light snack, a hearty meal, or an impressive appetizer, there are plenty of serving ideas to elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve with toothpicks for easy eating at parties or gatherings.
• Pair with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.

Over Rice

• Place the crispy cauliflower on a bed of jasmine or brown rice to create a satisfying meal.
• Drizzle with additional sauce and garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor.

In Tacos

• Use corn or flour tortillas to wrap the cauliflower with shredded cabbage and avocado.
• Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing twist.

On Salads

• Add the cauliflower to mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for a healthy salad option.
• Toss everything with a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors.

In Buddha Bowls

• Combine the cauliflower with grains like quinoa or farro, along with roasted veggies.
• Finish with a drizzle of tahini or your favorite dressing for a nutritious meal.

How to Perfect Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

To achieve the best results when making Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Select firm and compact heads of cauliflower for optimal texture and flavor.
• Adjust Spiciness: Modify the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce according to your heat preference.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Opting for Panko instead of regular breadcrumbs provides extra crunch and texture.
• Don’t Crowd the Air Fryer: Ensure even cooking by not overcrowding the air fryer basket; work in batches if necessary.
• Experiment with Garnishes: Try adding sliced radishes, avocado, or lime wedges as garnishes for added freshness.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to maintain freshness.

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Best Side Dishes for Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A simple, bright green vegetable that adds nutrients and color to your plate.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light salad made with quinoa, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes offers a refreshing contrast.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet and savory balance alongside the spicy cauliflower.
4. Coconut Rice: Fluffy rice cooked in coconut milk adds creaminess that complements the dish’s flavors nicely.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Seasoned Brussels sprouts bring earthy notes that pair well with the creamy bang bang sauce.
6. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds texture and brightness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes for the best results.

• Skipping the Coating: Many forget to coat the cauliflower well in both batter and Panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each floret is fully covered for that crispy texture.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to soggy or burnt wings. Always preheat to 425°F (218°C) for optimal crispiness.
• Not Flipping Cauliflower: If you’re baking, neglecting to flip the cauliflower halfway through can result in uneven cooking. Make sure to turn them for even browning.
• Using Sweetened Non-Dairy Milk: Sweetened plant milk can alter the flavor of the batter. Stick with unsweetened varieties for a savory taste.
• Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Placing too many pieces in the air fryer can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches for the best outcome.
• Ignoring Garnishes: Skipping out on garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds can make your dish less appealing. These add flavor and a nice presentation.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Place cooled cauliflower in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; ensure all air is removed from bags.

Reheating Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cauliflower on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes, but note this may make them softer.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat with a bit of oil until heated through and crispy again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower so special?

This dish stands out due to its crunchy coating and flavorful bang bang sauce that combines sweetness and spice perfectly.

Can I make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs.

How do I customize my Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?

You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sriracha and experiment with different spices in the batter.

What are some serving suggestions for Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?

Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or main course over rice for a complete meal experience.

How do I store leftover Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as an appetizer or pair it with rice for a satisfying main dish. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices and sauces. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find it’s perfect for any occasion!