Irresistible Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli: Crispy, Sweet & Spicy Perfection (Oven & Air Fryer Ready!)
Discover your new favorite plant-based dish with this incredible Bang Bang Broccoli! It’s perfectly crispy, beautifully sweet and spicy, and drenched in a rich, creamy mayo sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Incredibly simple to prepare, it delivers a phenomenal taste experience every single time. Plus, for ultimate convenience, you can easily whip it up in your oven or air fryer!
If you’re looking for a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, look no further. This Bang Bang Broccoli has earned a top spot in my rotation, and for good reason. It’s a dish that masterfully balances ease of preparation with an explosion of flavor, requiring only about 15 minutes of baking time to transform simple broccoli florets into a truly sensational culinary delight. Every bite is an affirmation that the minimal effort invested is overwhelmingly rewarded with a taste that is simply phenomenal – the kind that makes you exclaim, “Man, that was totally worth it!”
The inspiration for this plant-based masterpiece struck after a visit to one of my favorite Asian restaurants. Their Bang Bang dish was an instant hit, but I was deeply disappointed to learn that a truly vegan version, complete with its iconic creamy, spicy sauce, wasn’t an option. For me, the sauce is the heart and soul of any “Bang Bang” creation! Determined to recreate that irresistible flavor profile without compromising my vegan lifestyle, I embarked on a mission. Drawing loosely on the success of my cauliflower wings recipe and relying heavily on my own adventurous tastebuds, I tirelessly experimented. The result of that delicious journey is this very recipe – a plant-powered beauty that captures all the sweet, spicy, and creamy goodness I craved.
This recipe isn’t just about recreating a restaurant favorite; it’s about elevating humble broccoli to star status. It’s perfect for those seeking exciting vegan appetizers, a dynamic side dish, or even a flavorful component for a larger meal. The combination of crispy texture and the rich, complex sauce is nothing short of addictive, promising to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Prepare to be amazed by how easily this dish comes together and how quickly it will disappear from the plate!
Crafting the Perfect Bang Bang Broccoli
Making this Bang Bang Broccoli is a surprisingly straightforward process, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The secret to its incredible texture lies in a two-step coating process: a tempura-like batter followed by a generous roll in crispy panko breadcrumbs. This combination ensures that each broccoli floret achieves a delightful crunch that perfectly contrasts with the creamy sauce.
The batter is a simple yet effective mixture of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and plant-based milk, seasoned with a touch of chili paste, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The cornstarch is a crucial ingredient here; it’s what gives the batter its signature crispiness, especially when baked or air-fried. While this recipe focuses on healthier baking methods, this robust batter also makes the broccoli exceptional if you choose to fry it. Once coated in the batter, the florets are then rolled in panko breadcrumbs. Panko, with its lighter, flakier texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs, is an absolute must for achieving that airy, golden crispiness. Even before the sauce is added, this crispy broccoli is incredibly delicious on its own – a testament to the power of a good coating.
The Signature Sweet & Spicy Bang Bang Sauce
But let’s be honest, the true star of this dish, and what truly makes it “Bang Bang,” is its signature sauce. This creamy, sweet, and spicy concoction is a symphony of flavors that transforms the crispy broccoli into an unforgettable experience. The base is a smooth vegan mayonnaise, providing a rich and tangy foundation. To this, we add a vibrant chili paste like sambal oelek or sriracha, which brings the essential spicy kick. You can adjust the amount to suit your personal heat preference, making it mildly warm or intensely fiery.
For that characteristic sweet and slightly sticky element, maple syrup or agave nectar are ideal choices. I personally lean towards agave nectar not only because it’s often more economical but also for its slightly more viscous consistency. This helps the sauce beautifully cling to each crispy floret, creating that desirable sticky-sweet coating. When the hot, crispy broccoli meets this luscious sauce, something truly magical happens: the sauce soaks in just enough to infuse every crevice with flavor while maintaining the satisfying crunch. The result is perfectly balanced sweet, spicy, and wonderfully saucy Bang Bang Broccoli that’s guaranteed to impress.
The ease of preparing both the broccoli and the sauce means you can have this incredible dish on your table in under 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive last-minute appetizer for guests. The vibrant flavors and delightful textures make it a versatile addition to any meal, proving that plant-based cooking can be both simple and spectacularly delicious.
What to Serve Bang Bang Broccoli With
One of the best things about this Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli is its incredible versatility. It pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes, making it suitable for anything from a light appetizer to a hearty main course. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to inspire your next meal:
- Asian-Inspired Main Meals: Serve it alongside your favorite noodles or a vibrant fried rice. The sweet and spicy notes of the broccoli complement the savory flavors of these dishes perfectly, adding an extra layer of texture and zest. It’s also phenomenal with freshly steamed jasmine rice, creating a simple yet satisfying meal.
- Creative Wraps & Tacos: Use the Bang Bang Broccoli as a flavorful filling for crisp lettuce wraps or soft tortillas. Add some shredded carrots, red cabbage, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a delightful crunch and vibrant color. This makes for a fun, interactive, and incredibly tasty meal.
- Appetizer Extravaganza: Arrange the saucy florets on a platter as a show-stopping appetizer for parties or gatherings. Their vibrant appearance and irresistible taste are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can even serve them with a side of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping!
- Protein Power-Up: For a more substantial meal, pair it with baked tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein for a complete and balanced dinner.
- Versatile Veggie Swap: Don’t limit yourself to just broccoli! This recipe framework can be applied to many other vegetables. Try it with cauliflower for a similar “wing” experience, or experiment with battered mushrooms, bell peppers, or even green beans. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies and give them an exciting new lease on life.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Bang Bang Broccoli is designed to be a flexible and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire. Its bold flavors and satisfying texture ensure it will be a hit with everyone at the table.
Tips for Success & Customization
To ensure your Bang Bang Broccoli turns out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips:
- Dry Broccoli is Key: Make sure your broccoli florets are thoroughly dry before coating them in the batter. Excess moisture can lead to a soggy coating instead of a crispy one. A salad spinner or patting dry with a paper towel works wonders.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When baking or air frying, arrange the florets in a single layer with enough space between them. Overcrowding will steam the broccoli rather than crisp it, leading to a less desirable texture. You might need to cook in batches.
- Adjust the Spice: The beauty of making your own Bang Bang sauce is that you can completely control the heat level. Start with the recommended amount of chili paste and add more gradually until it reaches your preferred level of spiciness.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce feels too thick, a tiny splash of water or plant milk can thin it out. If it’s too thin, a bit more vegan mayo or a pinch of cornstarch (mixed with a tablespoon of cold water first) can help thicken it.
- Make Ahead: The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This saves time on busy cooking days. The crispy broccoli is best served immediately, but leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer for a few minutes to regain some crispness.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a long-time vegan, exploring plant-based options, or simply looking for a delicious way to enjoy more vegetables, this dish is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Its perfect balance of crispy texture, sweet heat, and creamy richness makes it utterly irresistible and endlessly adaptable. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for entertaining. Get ready to add a serious “bang” to your meals!
Enjoy, friends! If you make this Vegan Bang Bang Broccoli, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much! P.S. – do you know that we have an entire blog dedicated to low carb recipes named Low Carb Vegan Recipes?! Be sure to check it out!
Bang Bang Broccoli (Vegan)
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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 Broccoli
- 1 lb. broccoli, 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 BROCCOLI
- 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 broccoli (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 broccoli 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 15 minutes. Please ensure your oven is completely preheated and hot.
- Remove from oven. Toss the battered baked broccoli 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!
Notes
You can make this in the air fryer at 400F for 8 minutes.
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