Looking for a flavorful and crispy vegan snack or appetizer that will have everyone asking for more? Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is the answer! This dish features cauliflower florets that are battered, baked until crispy, and tossed in a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce—perfectly balancing heat, tang, and sweetness in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or simply craving something delicious, Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower offers the ideal combination of textures and flavors. The cauliflower’s crisp exterior gives way to a tender inside, while the bang bang sauce adds an irresistible kick that’s not too overpowering but full of flavor.
The best part? This recipe is completely plant-based and can easily be made gluten-free, making it perfect for a variety of diets. It’s quick and easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by anyone, even those who aren’t following a vegan lifestyle. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main course with some rice, this Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower will surely become a favorite!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
This Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is guaranteed to be a hit for several reasons. Here’s why you’ll love making it:
- Crispy and Flavorful – The cauliflower florets are coated in a seasoned batter that turns golden and crispy in the oven, creating the perfect crunchy texture without deep-frying. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a healthier alternative to traditional fried appetizers.
- Sweet and Spicy Sauce – The star of this recipe is the bang bang sauce—an addictive mix of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors that coat the cauliflower perfectly. You’ll get a satisfying kick from the sriracha sauce, balanced by the sweetness of maple syrup and the creaminess of vegan mayo.
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple ingredients and a quick baking time, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare while still delivering bold flavors.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free – This recipe is completely plant-based and can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. It’s a great option for people with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a lighter, vegan snack.
- Versatile – Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish, Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is versatile and can be served in many different ways. Pair it with a side of rice, veggies, or a dipping sauce for an even more satisfying meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser – This recipe is guaranteed to impress guests at parties or family gatherings. It’s fun to eat, full of flavor, and everyone will love the combination of crispy cauliflower and tangy, spicy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF version)
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (almond milk works well)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Equipment Used
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Large bowl for batter
- Whisk for mixing the batter
- Small bowl for the sauce
- Spoon or spatula for tossing the cauliflower
- Knife and chopping board for prepping the cauliflower
Directions & Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into florets. In a large bowl, combine the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until you have a smooth batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating them evenly. Place the battered florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the vegan mayo, maple syrup, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust the sriracha to your desired spice level.
- Toss the Cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is crispy and golden, remove it from the oven and toss the florets in the bang bang sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve the cauliflower immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1/4 of recipe):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 8g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
This Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is a flavorful treat that’s also fairly nutritious! The cauliflower provides fiber and vitamin C, while the vegan mayo gives you healthy fats. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, and the sriracha offers a spicy kick, without being overwhelming.
To make this recipe even lighter, you can reduce the amount of mayo or use a lighter version, but the full-flavor version is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Add More Spice: If you like it extra spicy, add more sriracha or a dash of chili flakes to the bang bang sauce.
- Use Air Fryer: For a lighter version, cook the battered cauliflower in an air fryer for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through.
- Gluten-Free: Make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Sweeten with Agave: You can substitute the maple syrup for agave syrup if preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower ahead of time, batter it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve, and toss in the sauce afterward. - Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works as well, though you may need to bake it a little longer to get it crispy. Be sure to thaw it completely before battering and baking. - Can I use another sauce instead of bang bang sauce?
Certainly! You can try buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, or a tangy tahini dressing as an alternative, depending on your taste preferences. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure your other ingredients (like the sriracha and mayo) are gluten-free as well.
Pro Tips by Emma
- For extra crispiness, try double-battering the cauliflower—dip it into the batter, coat it in flour, and dip it in the batter again before baking.
- If you prefer a more mild sauce, start with a small amount of sriracha and taste-test before adding more.
- For an extra garnish, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley on top for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is perfect as a snack or appetizer, but you can also serve it as a main dish with some rice, quinoa, or a side salad. Pair it with a dipping sauce like vegan ranch or creamy avocado dip for a fun twist.
Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower : Crispy, Spicy, and Flavorful
Looking for a flavorful and crispy vegan snack or appetizer that will have everyone asking for more? Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is the answer! This dish features cauliflower florets that are battered, baked until crispy, and tossed in a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce—perfectly balancing heat, tang, and sweetness in every bite.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Large bowl for batter
- Whisk for mixing the batter
- Small bowl for the sauce
- Spoon or spatula for tossing the cauliflower
- Knife and chopping board for prepping the cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour for GF version
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk almond milk works well
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce adjust for spice level
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Sesame seeds optional, for garnish
- Green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into florets. In a large bowl, combine the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until you have a smooth batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating them evenly. Place the battered florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the vegan mayo, maple syrup, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust the sriracha to your desired spice level.
- Toss the Cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is crispy and golden, remove it from the oven and toss the florets in the bang bang sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve the cauliflower immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Notes
For extra crispiness, try double-battering the cauliflower—dip it into the batter, coat it in flour, and dip it in the batter again before baking.
If you prefer a more mild sauce, start with a small amount of sriracha and taste-test before adding more.
For an extra garnish, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley on top for added freshness.
If you prefer a more mild sauce, start with a small amount of sriracha and taste-test before adding more.
For an extra garnish, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley on top for added freshness.