Bang Bang Cauliflower

Looking for a bold, crispy, and crave-worthy dish that’s both satisfying and plant-based? This Bang Bang Cauliflower is everything you need—crispy roasted cauliflower bites tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that packs a serious flavor punch. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or meatless main course.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Flavorful – Golden-baked cauliflower with the perfect amount of crunch.
Irresistible Sauce – A tangy, creamy, spicy sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Plant-Based Goodness – Naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable to vegan.
Versatile – Serve as a snack, side dish, wrap filling, or taco topping.
Better Than Takeout – Tastes indulgent but made with wholesome ingredients at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)
• Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for baking

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Tongs or fork for coating
Small bowl for sauce
Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil.

Step 2: Make the Batter
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. The batter should be smooth and thick enough to coat the cauliflower.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
5. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off.
6. Roll or sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
7. Place coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
8. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
10. While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
11. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as needed.

Step 6: Toss & Serve
12. Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes.
13. Gently toss in the bang bang sauce or drizzle over the top for a crispier texture.
14. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if using.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Cauliflower
Don’t Overcrowd – Spread florets out on the baking sheet for even crisping.
Serve Immediately – Best enjoyed hot and fresh for ultimate crunch.
Air Fryer Option – Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway.
Sauce Control – Toss all in for full flavor or drizzle to maintain crispiness.
Make It Vegan – Use vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.

Serving Suggestions
Appetizer Platter – Pair with edamame, spring rolls, or veggie gyoza.
Cauliflower Tacos – Load into tortillas with cabbage slaw and lime.
Rice Bowl – Serve over jasmine rice with cucumbers and avocado.
Wrap It Up – Tuck into a wrap with shredded lettuce and carrots.
Game Day Snack – A crowd-pleasing meatless option for parties.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Place cooled cauliflower in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep Sauce Separate: Store extra sauce separately to preserve crispiness.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Microwave: Use only if necessary—it may lose crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
2. What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
   Mix a little honey or sugar with sriracha and a splash of vinegar as a quick substitute.
3. Can I prep this ahead?
   Yes. Bake the cauliflower ahead and reheat before tossing with sauce.
4. What’s the best mayo substitute?
   Vegan mayo or Greek yogurt both work great, depending on your dietary needs.
5. Is Bang Bang Cauliflower spicy?
   It has a mild to medium kick, but you can control the heat by adjusting the sriracha.

Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Cauliflower is bold, crispy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a fun party appetizer, a meatless meal, or just a new way to enjoy cauliflower, this recipe delivers. The creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce takes everything to the next level—once you try it, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!

Give it a try and let me know how you like it. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your creations on Pinterest. I’d love to see how your version turns out!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 420mg

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