Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Crispy, flavorful, and completely plant-based, these Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings are an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a movie night, or looking for a delicious side dish, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Coated in a crunchy batter and smothered in a creamy bang bang sauce, these cauliflower wings bring excitement to your table!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

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
• With Rice
• As an Appetizer
• In Tacos
• On Salad
• In Wraps
• 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 the sauce spicier?
• Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?
• Is Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices and the bang bang sauce creates an explosion of taste.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy them as an appetizer, side dish, or main course served over rice.
• Plant-Based Goodness: Completely vegan and suitable for various dietary preferences.
• Crispy Texture: The Panko coating ensures a delightful crunch in every bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious wings, gather the essential tools that will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking tray
• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Air fryer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking tray: Provides an even surface for cooking the cauliflower wings.
• Silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and promotes a crispy texture without extra oil.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients easily.

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

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

PIN THIS!

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 to ensure extra crispiness.

Step 2: Batter and Panko Coating

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated onion, garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Create a well in the center and pour in the non-dairy milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth but thick enough to coat. Place some Panko bread crumbs in another bowl for coating.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter until fully coated. Allow excess batter to drip off before rolling them in Panko bread crumbs until completely covered. Arrange the coated florets on your lined baking tray with space between each piece.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

For baking: Bake for 15 minutes; flip each piece and bake another 15 minutes until golden brown. For air frying: Arrange florets in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 15-25 minutes, shaking halfway through until crispy.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

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

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Once cooked, toss the crispy cauliflower wings in the bang bang sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately as is or over rice for an enjoyable meal!

How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main course, this dish will impress anyone at the table.

With Rice

• Serve the crispy cauliflower over steamed rice for a filling meal that balances flavors and textures.

As an Appetizer

• Enjoy the cauliflower wings on their own with toothpicks as a fun finger food at parties or gatherings.

In Tacos

• Fill corn tortillas with the bang bang cauliflower, topped with fresh salsa and avocado for a unique twist on traditional tacos.

On Salad

• Place the cauliflower atop a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with extra bang bang sauce for a hearty salad option.

In Wraps

• Roll the cauliflower in lettuce or whole grain wraps with veggies and sauce for a quick and nutritious lunch.

How to Perfect Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

To achieve the best Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower, consider these helpful tips for optimal flavor and texture.

• Use fresh cauliflower: Fresh florets yield better texture and taste compared to pre-packaged options. Look for firm heads without blemishes.
• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of sriracha in your sauce. Start small and taste as you go.
• Preheat your cooking appliance: Ensuring your oven or air fryer is fully preheated will help achieve that perfect crispiness when cooking the cauliflower.
• Double-coat for crunch: For extra crunch, dip the battered florets in Panko twice before baking or air frying. This creates an irresistible crispy layer.
• Experiment with flours: Try different types of gluten-free flours if you need gluten-free options; chickpea flour can add a nutty flavor that complements the batter.
• Serve immediately: Enjoying the dish right after tossing it in sauce keeps it crispy. If making ahead, reheat in an oven to restore crunchiness before serving.

PIN THIS!

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Pair your Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower with these delicious side dishes for a well-rounded meal. Each option complements the flavors of the main dish while adding variety to your table.

1. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad loaded with vegetables offers protein and fiber, enhancing your meal’s nutritional value.
2. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed with garlic provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cauliflower.
3. Coconut Rice: Coconut-infused rice adds sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spicy-sweet bang bang sauce.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes brings balance to this dish’s flavors.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar or lime juice adds brightness to each bite.
6. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw introduces crunch and acidity, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of vegan bang bang cauliflower.
7. Hummus & Pita Chips: Creamy hummus paired with crunchy pita chips makes for a tasty addition that guests will love.
8. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is easy to prepare alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower can be a breeze, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the batter: Not using the batter can lead to less crispy cauliflower. Ensure you coat each floret thoroughly for the best texture.
• Using sweetened non-dairy milk: Sweetened plant milk can alter the flavor of your sauce. Always choose unsweetened varieties to maintain taste integrity.
• Overcrowding the baking tray: Placing too many florets close together can prevent them from getting crispy. Leave space between each piece for optimal air circulation.
• Not preheating your oven or air fryer: Failing to preheat can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat to achieve the perfect crispiness.
• Ignoring sauce adjustments: The bang bang sauce can be too spicy or sweet if you don’t adjust it to your liking. Taste and modify as needed before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 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 before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months; label with the date for reference.

Reheating Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, but this may result in soggy cauliflower.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently until hot and crispy.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower?

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is a delicious dish featuring crispy battered cauliflower tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

How do I make the sauce spicier?

To add more heat, simply increase the amount of sriracha in your bang bang sauce. Start with small increments and taste as you go.

Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?

Yes! You can try making this recipe with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even chickpeas for a different twist while maintaining that delightful crunch.

Is Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free flour and Panko breadcrumbs for a fully gluten-free version of this recipe.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or main meal over rice, its crispy texture and flavorful sauce make it irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite spices or adjusting the sauce’s sweetness and heat level!

---