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.