Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe
If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed appetizer or main that’s guaranteed to impress, Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is it! Think crunchy, spicy, and delightfully creamy with that classic “bang bang” zing—but totally plant-based. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for serving at your next get-together. With its crispy battered florets and that signature sweet and spicy sauce, Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower will become a go-to recipe in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is the straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the crisp cauliflower to the bold sauce, creating irresistible layers of taste and texture that everyone will love!
- Cauliflower florets: The star of the show—choose a medium head of cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized pieces for optimal crispiness and saucy coverage!
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the base for the batter, ensuring each floret gets coated and bakes up golden.
- Unsweetened plant-based milk: Helps the batter reach just the right consistency without adding unwanted sweetness.
- Garlic powder: Lends irresistible savory depth to the batter—don’t skip it!
- Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a touch of smoky color to every bite.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors into balance; season to your taste.
- Black pepper: A hint of heat and aroma that enhances the batter.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that ultra-crispy, crunchy coating.
- Cooking spray or oil for baking: Gives your florets their irresistible golden finish.
- Vegan mayonnaise: The creamy base for the signature bang bang sauce—use your favorite brand for best results.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and mild heat for that classic bang bang flavor.
- Sriracha: Brings a bold kick—adjust up or down based on your spice preference.
- Maple syrup: Gives a bit of natural sweetness to balance the heat and tang.
- Rice vinegar: Delivers a light, zesty tang that ties the sauce together.
How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes for easy cleanup and ensures your cauliflower doesn’t stick. This simple prep step means you can focus on enjoying the results (and not the mess).
Step 2: Whip Up the Batter
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened plant-based milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The goal is a smooth, lump-free batter that clings to every nook and cranny of the cauliflower. This savory coating is what gives Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower its crave-worthy crunch!
Step 3: Coat the Florets
Dip each cauliflower floret into your batter, letting the excess drip off. Next, roll each one in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet, giving each piece a little space so they crisp up, not steam.
Step 4: Bake or Air-Fry the Cauliflower
Lightly spray the coated florets with cooking oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through so every side gets golden and crunchy. For extra crispiness, try air-frying at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the cauliflower bakes, stir together the vegan mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, maple syrup, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Taste and tweak the heat to your liking. This creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is what truly sets Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower apart!
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once those crispy florets are fresh out of the oven, you can drizzle the bang bang sauce all over or gently toss them in a large bowl to coat. Serve immediately for the ultimate blend of hot and crunchy with cool, creamy heat.
How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
Garnishes
Sprinkle with sliced green onions or a shower of sesame seeds for color and a pop of flavor. Both garnishes add visual wow-factor and a little extra crunch, taking your Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower to the next level.
Side Dishes
Serve your hot cauliflower over steamed rice, tuck into lettuce wraps, or pile high in tacos—each option lets the zesty flavors shine. Pairing with simple sides like jasmine rice, stir-fried veggies, or a crisp slaw balances out the heat and keeps things exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the florets kebab-style with fresh veggies for party appetizers, build a Buddha bowl with grains and greens, or serve mini portions in lettuce cups for a handheld treat. Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is endlessly versatile, so have fun with your plating!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The coating will soften in the fridge, but it’s easy to crisp them up again when reheating—nothing goes to waste!
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze baked (unsauced) cauliflower for up to one month. Let cooled florets freeze on a tray before transferring to a container. Reheat straight from frozen for a speedy snack or meal.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 400°F oven or air fryer until hot and crispy again (about 8 to 10 minutes). Microwave reheating is quick but won’t restore the crisp coating, so try to use the oven or air fryer whenever possible.
FAQs
Can I make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten free?
Absolutely! Swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs—most health food stores will carry them. The flavor and crunch will still be spot-on.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is customizable! The sriracha in the bang bang sauce brings a medium spice, but you can use less (or more) according to your preference. The other sauce ingredients balance out the spice with creamy and sweet notes.
Can I prep Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower ahead of time?
You can prep the battered and breaded florets a few hours in advance, then bake right before serving. The sauce can also be mixed ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Is there an oil-free option?
Yes, simply skip the cooking spray—your florets will still get crisp, just a little less golden. You can also try using parchment for an easy release and to help them brown up nicely.
What other vegetables can I use?
Broccoli, mushrooms, or even sliced zucchini work beautifully with this recipe and the bang bang sauce. Just adjust the baking time based on the vegetable’s texture and size.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is beloved by vegans and non-vegans alike: it’s bold, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to whip up at home. Treat yourself—and your friends—to this irresistible dish, and make it your own with whatever twist inspires you next!
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Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and spicy vegan twist on a popular dish with this Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe. Crispy baked cauliflower florets are coated in a tangy and sweet bang bang sauce, creating a delightful dish that can be served as a main course or appetizer.
Ingredients
Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- cooking spray or oil for baking
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cauliflower: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, coat with panko breadcrumbs, and place on the baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together all bang bang sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Coat the cauliflower: Toss the baked cauliflower in the sauce before serving. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, air fry the cauliflower at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
- Adjust sriracha to your spice preference.
- Serve over rice, in tacos, or as a party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
