Crispy Bang Bang Cauliflower (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Bang Bang Sauce
01 -
1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
02 -
1/4 cup sambal oelek or any chili paste (sriracha works too!)
03 -
2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
→ Cauliflower Batter
04 -
1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
05 -
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free works great too)
06 -
1 tablespoon sambal oelek or your favorite chili paste
07 -
1/2 cup cornstarch
08 -
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk) mixed with 2 teaspoons lemon juice
09 -
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
10 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
→ Coating
13 -
1 cup crispy Panko breadcrumbs seasoned with a pinch of salt, pepper, onion powder & garlic powder
→ Garnish
14 -
Sesame seeds for sprinkling
# Instructions:
01 -
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the vegan mayo, sambal oelek, and maple syrup until smooth and pourable. Set aside while you work on the cauliflower.
02 -
Heat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or lightly greased foil to prevent sticking.
03 -
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, chili paste, cornstarch, plant milk with lemon juice, and all the seasonings. Stir until you get a sticky tempura-like batter. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk. Too thin? Add a bit more flour.
04 -
Toss your cauliflower florets in the batter until they're completely coated. Then, in batches, roll them in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs until covered and place them on your prepared baking sheet with some space between each piece.
05 -
Bake the coated cauliflower for 22 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Make sure your oven is fully preheated for the best results!
06 -
Take the baking sheet out and carefully toss the baked cauliflower in your bang bang sauce. Use tongs or a spatula to make sure each piece gets a good coating, then return them to the baking sheet.
07 -
Pop the sauced cauliflower back in the oven for just 1-2 minutes to let the sauce set and seep into the crispy coating.
08 -
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately while hot and crispy! These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
# Notes:
01 -
These crispy cauliflower bites are sweet, spicy, and incredibly addictive! The creamy bang bang sauce coats each piece perfectly.
02 -
You can easily customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili paste in both the batter and sauce.
03 -
This makes a fantastic appetizer for game day or parties, but can also be served as a main dish with rice and veggies.