Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Crispy, flavorful, and completely plant-based, these Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings are your new go-to for any occasion. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or a main course when served with rice, this recipe shines with its crunchy batter and creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. It’s easy to make and sure to impress anyone at your table!

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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
• With Salad
• As a Sandwich Filling
• On a Charcuterie Board
• 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 is Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?
• How do I make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free?
• Can I use frozen cauliflower?
• How spicy is Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?
• Can I customize the bang bang sauce?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of crispy cauliflower and tangy bang bang sauce creates an irresistible taste experience.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this dish ready in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer at parties or as a main dish over rice for dinner.
• Plant-Based Goodness: Enjoy a satisfying meal that’s completely vegan and guilt-free.
• Crispy Texture: The Panko breadcrumbs ensure a satisfying crunch that enhances every bite.

Tools and Preparation

To cook the Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower successfully, having the right tools is essential. Below are some standard kitchen items that will help you achieve the perfect result.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking tray: Provides a sturdy surface for even baking of the cauliflower.
• Silicone baking mat: Keeps the cauliflower from sticking while promoting crisping.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for mixing your batter without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve that smooth batter consistency necessary for 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)

For Garnish:

• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds

How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Step 1: Prep the Oven or Air Fryer

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) or 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 extra crispy cauliflower.

Step 2: Batter and Panko Coating

In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated onion, garlic, ground ginger, salt, and 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 a small amount of 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. Let excess batter drip off before rolling it in Panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place the coated florets on your 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. Then flip each piece and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes.

For air frying:
Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for 15-25 minutes, shaking halfway through until crispy and golden.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While your cauliflower cooks, mix together 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

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

How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a hearty meal, these crispy cauliflower bites can be paired with various accompaniments to elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve them hot with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.
• Pair with a side of extra bang bang sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor.

Over Rice

• Spoon the cauliflower over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice for a filling meal.
• Drizzle some soy sauce or additional sweet chili sauce on top for added taste.

In Tacos

• Fill corn or flour tortillas with the crispy cauliflower, avocado, and fresh veggies.
• Top with lime juice and cilantro for a refreshing touch.

With Salad

• Add the cauliflower to your favorite mixed greens along with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Toss it all together with a light vinaigrette dressing for a nutritious meal.

As a Sandwich Filling

• Place the cauliflower in a sandwich or wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and vegan mayo.
• This creates a satisfying and crunchy texture that’s perfect for lunch.

On a Charcuterie Board

• Include these bites on your next charcuterie board alongside olives, nuts, and dips.
• This makes for an exciting appetizer platter during festive occasions.

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How to Perfect Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

To achieve the best results when making Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your dish comes out perfectly crispy and delicious every time.

• Use fresh cauliflower: Fresh florets provide the best texture and flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Ensure even coating: Make sure each floret is thoroughly coated in batter and Panko to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give enough space between each piece while baking or air frying to allow hot air circulation.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce according to your taste preference.
• Experiment with garnishes: Use chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley alongside green onions for added freshness and color.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy your Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower right after cooking for optimal crunchiness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some ideas that complement its flavors perfectly:

1. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing salad made with quinoa, cucumber, bell peppers, and lemon vinaigrette brings brightness to your plate.
2. Steamed Vegetables – Lightly steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans add color and nutrients without overwhelming flavors.
3. Coconut Rice – Creamy coconut rice can balance out the spiciness of the bang bang sauce while providing a nice texture contrast.
4. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries are an excellent side that adds sweetness while being incredibly satisfying.
5. Garlic Noodles – Tossed in garlic-infused oil, these noodles are flavorful yet light enough not to overshadow the main dish.
6. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup offers umami richness that pairs well with the zesty flavors of the cauliflower.
7. Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots adds crispness while its tangy dressing complements the sweetness of the sauce.
8. Cucumber Salad – A simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a refreshing counterbalance to this spicy dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower can be incredibly rewarding, but small missteps can lead to less than perfect results. Here are common mistakes to watch for.

• Skipping the Panko: Not using Panko breadcrumbs can result in a less crispy texture. Always coat your cauliflower well for that satisfying crunch.
• Overcrowding the Baking Tray: Placing too many florets close together can lead to steaming instead of baking. Space them out to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Using Sweetened Non-Dairy Milk: Sweetened plant milk can alter the flavor balance of your dish. Stick with unsweetened varieties for the best results.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Not paying attention to cooking times may leave your cauliflower undercooked or burnt. Keep an eye on it, especially during the last few minutes.
• Neglecting Sauce Consistency: If your bang bang sauce is too thick or thin, it won’t coat the cauliflower well. Adjust with more non-dairy milk or chili sauce as needed.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Freeze cooled cauliflower in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months for optimal taste and texture.

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 high for 1-2 minutes, but note this may soften the texture.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed and slightly crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is a plant-based dish made of crispy cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful bang bang sauce, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

How do I make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and Panko breadcrumbs, which are readily available at health food stores.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but be sure to thaw and pat it dry before coating to achieve a crispy texture.

How spicy is Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?

The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce. Start with less if you prefer milder flavors.

Can I customize the bang bang sauce?

Absolutely! You can add more spices or switch out ingredients like using lime juice instead of sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower wings are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or over rice for a fulfilling meal, they’re bound to impress. Feel free to customize the sauce or add extra spices according to your taste!