Bang Bang Cauliflower: Crispy, Spicy & Irresistible

Bang Bang Cauliflower is a delightful and enticing dish that brings together the crunchiness of perfectly roasted cauliflower florets with a creamy, spicy sauce that packs a flavorful punch. This recipe captures the essence of indulgent comfort food while remaining plant-based and healthy, making it an irresistible option for everyone, from vegans to meat-lovers alike. The combination of textures and flavors will have you reaching for seconds, and you might even forget it’s a vegetable!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe is sure to become a favorite for many reasons. First, the flavors are simply delightful; the spicy, tangy sauce balances beautifully with the crispy, tender cauliflower, creating a mouthwatering experience. Secondly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—most of the cooking is hands-off, allowing you to focus on other parts of your meal or even relax with a glass of wine. Finally, it fits perfectly into many dietary lifestyles, being vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutritious ingredients, making it guilt-free indulgence at its best.

Tips and Tricks

• For extra crunch, consider double-breading the cauliflower by dipping it in the wet mixture, then in the dry mixture again before baking.
• If you want to cut down on cook time, use pre-cut cauliflower florets available at many grocery stores.
• To elevate the flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the batter or the sauce for a delightful smoky note.
• For a spicy kick, adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce according to your heat preference, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• One common mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. This can lead to steaming instead of roasting, so ensure the cauliflower has enough space to cook evenly.
• Avoid using too much sauce; it can make the dish soggy. Toss the cauliflower lightly to coat it in the sauce for the best results.
• Make sure to fully dry the cauliflower after washing it to help the batter stick and achieve that crispy texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prep the cauliflower and the sauce ahead of time. Cut the cauliflower into florets and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in a separate container for up to a week. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine and bake!

Recipe Variations

• Try swapping cauliflower for broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a different take on this recipe.
• For a different flavor profile, mix in some garlic powder or onion powder to the batter.
• If you prefer a healthier option, air frying the cauliflower instead of baking can reduce the oil content while still providing that desirable crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve your Bang Bang Cauliflower on a large platter, drizzled with extra sauce and garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color. Pair it with a side of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce, and offer a fresh salad to balance the meal.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement the bold flavors of the Bang Bang Cauliflower, consider serving it with a refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer would pair beautifully. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a chilled herbal tea would be a delightful accompaniment.

How to Store

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked cauliflower in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, restoring some of its original crispiness.

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional for easier cleanup)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs for tossing the cauliflower

Dietary Adaptations

To make this dish vegan, ensure that all ingredients are plant-based. You can also substitute the mayonnaise in the sauce with an avocado-based or cashew-based alternative for a creamier texture. For nut-free options, use sunflower seed butter instead of any nut-based sauces.

Seasonal Adaptations

In the fall, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, autumnal flavor. In the summer, serve the cauliflower with a fresh tomato and cucumber salad to highlight seasonal produce.

Cost Breakdown

This recipe is budget-friendly, costing roughly $1.50 per serving. To save even more, buy cauliflower in bulk, and consider using homemade sauces instead of store-bought to cut down on costs.

Kitchen Hacks

• To quickly chop cauliflower, use a sharp chef’s knife to cut it into quarters, then slice off the florets. This method is faster and ensures even-sized pieces.
• For easy cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for a quicker wash-up.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes, but ensure it’s thawed and dried properly before using to avoid excess moisture.
• What can I substitute for sriracha? Any hot sauce can work, though you may need to adjust the amount based on heat level.
• How long will leftovers last? Properly stored in the fridge, leftovers can last up to 3 days.

Yield: 4

Bang Bang Cauliflower

Print

Bang Bang Cauliflower is a delightful and enticing dish that brings together the crunchiness of perfectly roasted cauliflower florets with a creamy, spicy sauce that packs a flavorful punch. 

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water until you achieve a smooth batter.
3. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
5. While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the sauce by mixing the vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, maple syrup, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
6. Once the cauliflower is done, remove it from the oven and toss it in the sauce until evenly coated.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 486Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 0mgSodium 507mgCarbohydrates 47gFiber 6gSugar 11gProtein 8g

Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe is not only a delicious way to enjoy vegetables, but it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or a main course, it promises to impress your family and friends. Get ready to savor the crispy, creamy goodness of this fantastic dish, and enjoy every spicy bite!