Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Crispy, flavorful, and completely plant-based, these Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or entrée when served with rice. Coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, this recipe is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The Panko coating gives these cauliflower wings an irresistible crunch that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or over rice for a hearty meal.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet chili sauce and creamy vegan mayo creates a mouthwatering bang bang sauce.
• Plant-Based Goodness: Enjoy a delicious meal that’s entirely vegan and suitable for various diets.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower effectively, gather the right tools. Having the essential equipment at hand makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking tray
• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Wide shallow bowl for Panko
• Air fryer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Tray: A sturdy baking tray ensures even cooking and prevents bending when loaded with cauliflower.
• Silicone Baking Mat: This mat provides a non-stick surface that helps achieve extra crispiness without sticking.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Perfect for mixing the batter efficiently without spilling.
• Wide Shallow Bowl for Panko: Allows easy rolling of the cauliflower florets for even coating.

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 (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)

• 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. A silicone mat works best for achieving extra crispy cauliflower.

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 a separate wide bowl.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring all sides are coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off. Roll each battered floret in Panko bread crumbs until completely coated. Place the coated cauliflower on the lined baking tray with space between each piece for even crisping.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

For baking, bake the cauliflower for 15 minutes. Flip each piece and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. For air frying, arrange the florets in one layer in the basket. Cook for 15–25 minutes while shaking halfway through until they are crispy and golden.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

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

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Toss your crispy cauliflower in the bang bang sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve 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 quick appetizer, a side dish, or a main course, here are some creative serving suggestions.

As an Appetizer

• Pair with toothpicks for easy serving and dipping. This makes it perfect for parties or gatherings.

Over Rice

• Serve on a bed of steamed rice for a hearty meal. The rice soaks up the delicious bang bang sauce.

In Tacos

• Use small tortillas to create flavorful tacos. Add toppings like avocado and cilantro for extra freshness.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer additional sauces like ranch or extra bang bang sauce for those who love variety and flavor.

As Part of a Buddha Bowl

• Combine with grains, vegetables, and your favorite sauce for a balanced meal that is both filling and nutritious.

In Salad

• Toss the crispy cauliflower into mixed greens with a sesame dressing for a refreshing salad option.

How to Perfect Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Creating the ideal Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Select a firm head of cauliflower without any brown spots for the best texture and flavor.
• Ensure Crispiness: Use Panko breadcrumbs as they provide an extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Modify the amount of sriracha in your bang bang sauce based on your heat preference.
• Use Proper Coating Technique: Make sure each floret is well-coated with batter before rolling in Panko to ensure even coverage.
• Preheat Cooking Equipment: Always preheat your oven or air fryer to achieve that perfectly crispy exterior.
• Let It Cool Before Serving: Allow the cauliflower to cool slightly after cooking; this helps maintain its crispiness.

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Best Side Dishes for Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower pairs wonderfully with several side dishes, enhancing its flavors and creating a complete meal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green and nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and crunch.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers complements the dish perfectly.
3. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These fries bring sweetness and texture that balance the spicy bang bang sauce.
4. Garlic Noodles: Flavorful garlic noodles provide a satisfying carb element that pairs well with cauliflower.
5. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots adds freshness and contrast in texture.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Slightly charred Brussels sprouts bring earthiness that works beautifully alongside the cauliflower.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower can be a breeze, but some common mistakes might hinder your results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the batter can lead to bland cauliflower. Ensure you mix in spices thoroughly for flavorful bites.
• Overcrowding the tray: Placing too many florets together can trap steam, preventing crispiness. Leave space between each piece for even cooking.
• Using sweetened non-dairy milk: Sweetened milk can alter the taste of your dish. Opt for unsweetened varieties to maintain the intended flavor profile.
• Not preheating properly: Cooking at the wrong temperature may yield soggy results. Always preheat your oven or air fryer as instructed for optimal crispiness.
• Ignoring the toss: Forgetting to toss the cauliflower in the sauce can result in uneven flavor distribution. Coat them well before serving for that perfect bang bang taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Place cooled cauliflower in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Store for up to 2 months.

Reheating Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but note it may lose some crispiness.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free flour and Panko breadcrumbs to ensure this dish is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How spicy is the Vegan Bang Bang Sauce?

The spiciness depends on how much sriracha you add. You can adjust it according to your preference for heat.

What should I serve with Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or even a fresh salad, making it versatile as an appetizer or main course.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the batter and coat the cauliflower ahead of time. Just store them separately and cook just before serving.

Is there an alternative sauce I can use?

Absolutely! You can try a simple mix of vegan mayo and sweet chili sauce if you’re looking for something different from traditional bang bang sauce.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is not only crispy and delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or serving it with various sides. Give this recipe a try, and you won’t be disappointed!