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!

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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
• As a Party Snack
• 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 flavorful?
• Can I make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free?
• How can I customize the bang bang sauce?
• What dishes pair well with Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?
• Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The combination of batter and Panko breadcrumbs creates a delightful crunch.
• Flavor Explosion: The bang bang sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or main course over rice.
• Easy Preparation: Simple steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Plant-Based Goodness: Completely vegan, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process for your Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking tray: A sturdy surface ensures even cooking of the cauliflower.
• Silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and promotes extra crispiness in the oven.
• Whisk: Helps you achieve a smooth batter consistency without lumps.

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 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 flour, granulated onion, garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Make a well in the center of the 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 any excess batter drip off before rolling it in the Panko bread crumbs until fully coated. Arrange the coated cauliflower on the lined baking tray with space between each floret for even crisping.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

For Baking Method:
Bake the cauliflower for 15 minutes. Flip each piece and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Let cool for 5 minutes.

For Air Frying Method:
Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15–25 minutes, shaking halfway through until crispy and golden. Work in batches if necessary for best results.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the 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

Toss the crispy cauliflower in 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 many ways. Whether you want a light snack or a hearty meal, these crispy cauliflower wings can be served alongside various accompaniments.

As an Appetizer

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with extra bang bang sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even a spicy mustard for added flavor.
• Veggie Platter: Pair with fresh veggies like carrots and cucumbers for a crunchy contrast.

Over Rice

• Steamed Rice: Serve the cauliflower over fluffy steamed rice for a filling meal.
• Coconut Rice: Enhance the flavor with coconut rice, which adds a creamy texture.

In Tacos

• Cauliflower Tacos: Fill soft tortillas with the cauliflower, add shredded cabbage, and drizzle with additional bang bang sauce.
• Buddha Bowls: Top a bowl of grains and greens with the cauliflower for a nutritious meal.

As a Party Snack

• Finger Food: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving at gatherings.
• Mini Sliders: Serve in slider buns with some lettuce and sauce for tasty bites.

How to Perfect Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

To achieve the best results with your Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower, follow these tips for perfecting your dish.

• Bold Batter Consistency: Make sure your batter is thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still drips off easily for an even coating.
• Bold Use of Panko: Opt for Panko bread crumbs as they provide an extra crunch that regular breadcrumbs might lack.
• Bold Cooking Method: Experiment with both baking and air frying to find your preferred level of crispiness.
• Bold Seasoning Options: Feel free to add spices like paprika or cayenne to the batter for additional flavor.
• Bold Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cauliflower for the best texture and taste; older cauliflower may not hold up well during cooking.
• Bold Sauce Variations: Modify the bang bang sauce by adding lime juice or adjusting the sriracha level to suit your taste preferences.

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Best Side Dishes for Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

To complement Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower, consider serving it with delicious side dishes that enhance its flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Quinoa Salad: A light and nutritious salad made with quinoa, veggies, and a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness.
2. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of sweet potato fries pairs perfectly with the spicy bang bang sauce.
3. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic provide a vibrant color and crunch.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw balances out the richness of the cauliflower wings nicely.
5. Roasted Broccoli: Simple roasted broccoli seasoned with olive oil enhances the overall meal without overpowering it.
6. Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with olives and herbs offers an interesting texture contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is straightforward, but some common mistakes can hinder your results.

• Using the wrong flour: Choosing a flour that doesn’t suit your dietary needs can affect the batter’s texture. Always use all-purpose or gluten-free flour as specified.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Skipping the Panko bread crumbs: Omitting Panko will result in less crunchiness. Ensure you coat each floret generously for that delightful crisp.
• Overcrowding the baking tray: Placing too many florets together can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Leave space between each piece for even cooking.
• Neglecting to preheat the oven or air fryer: A preheated appliance ensures even cooking and better texture. Always preheat before placing your cauliflower inside.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the cauliflower to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Store for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Oven: Preheat to 400°F (204°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat for about 1-2 minutes, but this may make it less crispy. Enjoy immediately after reheating.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower so flavorful?

The combination of spices in the batter and the creamy bang bang sauce provides an irresistible flavor profile that is both spicy and sweet.

Can I make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free flour and Panko breadcrumbs. This allows everyone to enjoy this delicious dish without gluten.

How can I customize the bang bang sauce?

You can adjust the sweetness or spice level by adding more sriracha or using different chili sauces according to your taste preferences.

What dishes pair well with Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad, making it versatile enough for any meal occasion.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the cauliflower in advance and store it as instructed. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is an exciting dish that brings flavor and texture together beautifully. It’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or main course when paired with rice. Feel free to customize the spice levels or serve it with various dips!

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