Crispy & Flavorful Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings: The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Treat!
These Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings are incredibly crispy, perfectly sweet, delightfully spicy, and generously tossed in a creamy, luscious spicy mayo sauce! This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and the taste is absolutely phenomenal. You can achieve perfect results whether you use your air fryer or a traditional oven!
My culinary journey with cauliflower has been nothing short of a love affair, and if you’re experiencing a sense of déjà vu, you’re not wrong – we’ve certainly delved into the wonders of this versatile vegetable before! From exploring the delectable world of cauliflower wings to savoring the comforting richness of cauliflower soup, I’ve continuously sought out innovative ways to transform this humble cruciferous into a star. And here I am once again, ready to introduce you to another irresistible creation: Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower. This dish elevates cauliflower to an art form, proving its incredible adaptability and how it can absorb and complement the most exciting flavors.
What Exactly is Bang Bang Cauliflower?
At its heart, Bang Bang Cauliflower is a delightful twist on the popular cauliflower wings concept, but with a unique and unforgettable sauce. While it might sound like “just another cauliflower wing recipe,” the “bang bang” element is what truly sets it apart. The signature bang bang sauce is a magical concoction typically comprising a vibrant chili paste (such as sriracha or sambal oelek), creamy mayonnaise (vegan in our case!), and a touch of sweetness. The result is a sauce that is both sweet and spicy, with a luxurious, creamy texture that clings perfectly to every crispy floret. It tastes utterly divine!
Having previously crafted a successful vegan bang bang broccoli, I knew instantly that a cauliflower version was a must-try. While they share the same tantalizing sauce, cauliflower brings its own distinct texture and flavor absorption qualities to the table, and the cooking times differ slightly. This made it essential to develop a dedicated recipe to truly optimize the vegan bang bang cauliflower experience, ensuring each bite is nothing short of perfection.
Can You Make These Cauliflower Wings in an Air Fryer?
One of the most frequent questions I receive is, “Can I make cauliflower wings in the air fryer?” And I’m thrilled to confirm with a resounding yes! The air fryer is an absolute game-changer for achieving super crispy cauliflower wings with less oil and less fuss. This post will provide detailed instructions and baking times for both air fryer and conventional oven methods, allowing you to choose whichever suits your kitchen and preferences best.
In my experience, whether you opt for the air fryer or the oven, the final outcome is remarkably similar: incredibly crispy and flavorful cauliflower. It truly comes down to personal preference and what equipment you have readily available. The air fryer often offers a quicker cooking time and a slightly different crisp texture, while the oven is excellent for larger batches. Whichever method you choose, you’re in for a treat.
These bang bang cauliflower wings are, quite honestly, a dream come true for anyone who loves bold flavors and satisfying textures. As if my affection for spicy cauliflower wings wasn’t already cemented (just think of my beloved buffalo cauliflower wings!), this bang bang sauce has ridden into my life like a culinary knight in shining armor. The combination of crispy, crunchy cauliflower florets paired with a rich, sweet, and creamy sauce creates an explosion of flavors and textures that is nothing short of perfection. It’s a delightful balance of heat, sweetness, and tang that makes every bite utterly addictive.
How to Make Perfect Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings
Creating these sensational bang bang cauliflower wings involves a few simple steps, reminiscent of my other popular cauliflower wing recipes, yet with a distinct upgrade in the batter. The process begins with preparing your cauliflower florets, ensuring they are dry and ready for coating.
The Secret to Our Crispy Batter
First, we focus on achieving that ideal crispy exterior. The batter for this recipe is key. Instead of a heavy, thick coating, we opt for a lighter, more tempura-style batter. This delicate consistency ensures that the batter adheres beautifully to each cauliflower floret without overwhelming its natural texture. The result is an incredibly light and crispy coating that perfectly complements the tender interior of the cauliflower.
Breading and Baking/Air Frying for Optimal Crunch
After coating the florets in the flavorful batter, they are then breaded in seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Panko is essential here, as it provides a superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. Once breaded, the cauliflower wings are baked in a hot oven or air fried until golden brown and wonderfully crispy. The goal is a light, airy, and deeply satisfying crunch that serves as the perfect canvas for our bang bang sauce.
Tossing in the Divine Bang Bang Sauce
Next comes the star of the show: tossing the crispy cauliflower in the magnificent bang bang sauce. I enjoy these wings in two primary ways, depending on my mood and the desired crispness level. Sometimes, I simply toss the cauliflower in the sauce immediately after baking and serve them right away. This allows the sauce to gently coat the wings, offering a softer, saucier experience.
However, if I’m settling in for a movie or want to ensure maximum crunch, I employ a little trick. After tossing the cauliflower in the sauce, I place them back into the air fryer or oven for just another minute or two. This brief second bake allows the sauce to seep into the crispy coating while simultaneously re-crisping the exterior. The result is an even more intensely flavorful and delightfully crunchy wing, where the sauce adheres perfectly, providing an irresistible texture contrast.
Beyond a doubt, these cauliflower bites are truly supreme – a top-notch culinary delight that I enthusiastically recommend. They’re not only amazing fresh but also retain their fantastic taste the next day, making them excellent for meal prep or leftovers. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; you’ll be so glad you did! Happy eating, friends!
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings
These versatile Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings are incredibly adaptable and complement a wide array of dishes, making them perfect as an appetizer, a side, or even the main event. Their bold, sweet, and spicy profile means they can elevate almost any meal.
- Asian-Inspired Mains: They pair exquisitely with other Asian-inspired dishes. Consider serving them alongside sesame noodles for a comforting meal, or with vegan fried rice for a complete and satisfying spread.
- Light & Fresh Options: For a lighter meal, tuck them into crisp lettuce wraps, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to homemade dumplings or potstickers. The possibilities are truly endless – it’s entirely up to your culinary imagination!
- Creative Leftover Use: Don’t limit the bang bang sauce to just cauliflower! It’s a fantastic way to transform other vegetables. Batter up any leftover veggies you have – think broccoli, mushrooms, or even tofu – and treat them the same way. It’s an excellent method to use up ingredients and create a whole new amazing dish.
Tips for Achieving the Best Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings:
- Dry Cauliflower is Key: Ensure your cauliflower florets are completely dry before coating them in the batter. Excess moisture can lead to a soggy coating rather than a crispy one. Pat them thoroughly with paper towels if needed.
- Perfect Batter Consistency: The batter should be like a thick pancake or tempura batter – sticky enough to cling to the cauliflower but not overly thick. Adjust with a tiny bit more plant milk or flour/cornstarch if necessary.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Whether baking in the oven or air frying, arrange the coated florets in a single layer with enough space between each piece. Overcrowding will steam the cauliflower instead of crisping it. You may need to cook in batches.
- Preheat Thoroughly: Always ensure your oven or air fryer is fully preheated to the specified temperature. A hot cooking environment is crucial for achieving immediate crispness and preventing the batter from becoming greasy.
- Even Coating: When tossing the cauliflower in the batter and then the panko, make sure each floret is evenly coated. This ensures consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
- Sauce Application Timing: For maximum crispiness, toss the cooked cauliflower in the bang bang sauce and then return them to the oven or air fryer for 1-2 minutes. This helps the sauce “set” and keeps the wings extra crunchy.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These wings taste great the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to regain crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! The recipe specifically mentions using all-purpose flour that can be either regular or gluten-free. Just ensure you use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep the entire dish gluten-free. The taste and texture will remain fantastic!
Q: What if I don’t have sambal oelek?
A: Sambal oelek is a chili paste that offers a clean, bright heat. If you don’t have it, sriracha is an excellent substitute as mentioned in the ingredients. You can also experiment with other thick, spicy sauces you enjoy, keeping in mind that the flavor profile might vary slightly.
Q: How can I adjust the spice level?
A: The spice level is easily customizable! To make it spicier, simply increase the amount of chili paste in the bang bang sauce. For a milder version, reduce the chili paste or even omit the chili paste from the cauliflower batter and only use it in the sauce.
Q: Can I prepare these wings ahead of time?
A: While these wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or air fryer when they are at their crispiest, you can certainly prepare some components ahead. The bang bang sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also chop your cauliflower florets ahead of time. I recommend battering and cooking them just before serving for the optimal texture.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store any leftover bang bang cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave as it can make them soggy. Instead, spread them out on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, until crispy and heated through.
Enjoy this incredible recipe, friends! If you create these delightful Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings, please be sure to snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We absolutely love seeing your creations. We’d also be incredibly grateful if you could leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating! Your feedback helps us grow and inspires other home cooks. Thanks so much for your support! P.S. – did you know we also run an entire blog dedicated to delicious low carb vegan recipes called Low Carb Vegan Recipes?! Make sure to check it out for more amazing plant-based dishes!
Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
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Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sambal oelek or any other chili paste (including sriracha)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
Bang Bang Cauliflower
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour gluten-free or regular
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek or any chili paste
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or any nut milk + two teaspoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup crispy Panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt pepper, onion powder & garlic powder
Instructions
BANG BANG SAUCE
- Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl. It should be liquid-y. Set aside.
BANG BANG CAULIFLOWER
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F/230 degrees C. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking sheet or greased foil. Using a knife, remove florets from the cauliflower (aka cut off the leaves and don’t use the stems).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, chilli paste, cornstarch, nut milk, ACV, sea salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Stir to combine – the batter should be like a sticky tempura batter. If the batter is too thick, feel free to thin it out with some more milk and vice versa.
- In a separate bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. Line it up beside the batter bowl. Toss the cauliflower in the batter mixture (you can add them all at once), using a spatula or spoon to coat them all.
- Then, transfer them to the panko breadcrumbs (you can do this in two or three batches) to coat completely, then place onto the baking sheet, giving each floret enough space.
- Bake for 22 minutes. Please ensure your oven is completely preheated and hot.
- Remove from oven. Toss the battered baked cauliflower in the sauce (I like to use a spatula to move them around to get properly coated) then using tongs or a spoon, remove and place back on the baking sheet. Bake for another 1-2 minutes for the sauce to soak into the wings.
- Remove from oven, top with sesame seeds, eat immediately and enjoy!
AIR FRYER INSTRUCTIONS
- IF using an air fryer, preheat to 400 degrees F/200 degrees C.
- Repeat all the steps and then place in your air fryer in a single row, so that all the cauliflower has a little bit of space around each piece. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, then continuing to cook. After you add the sauce, bake for another 1 to 2 minutes in the air fryer!
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