If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy, spicy, and downright addictive, this Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes humble cauliflower florets and transforms them into golden, crunchy bites tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce. Trust me, this recipe delivers all the flavor and comfort without any animal products, making it perfect for both vegans and anyone who loves delicious, guilt-free comfort food. Once you try this, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy veggies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but play an essential role in creating the perfect balance of crispy texture and flavorful coating. From the cauliflower itself to the magical bang bang sauce, every element is thoughtful and packs a punch in taste and appearance.
- Cauliflower florets: This is the star of the show, providing a crisp yet tender bite that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create a light, crispy batter coating the cauliflower for frying.
- Cornstarch: Works alongside flour to boost crispiness and hold the batter on perfectly.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper: These spices add depth and warmth to the batter, making each bite flavorful.
- Non-dairy milk: Binds the batter without any dairy, keeping the recipe truly vegan.
- Olive oil and frying oil: Olive oil adds a slight richness to the batter mixture, while neutral frying oil crisps up the cauliflower to perfection.
- Vegan mayo: Bases the creamy, luscious bang bang sauce that clings to every crispy bite.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings a balanced sweetness with a gentle kick of heat.
- Sriracha: Adds that signature spicy zing to the sauce, customizable to your heat preference.
- Maple syrup or agave nectar: A touch of natural sweetness rounds out the bang bang sauce harmoniously.
How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Frying Oil
Start by heating your frying oil in a deep pan or pot to around 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right for achieving that perfect crispy exterior without soaking the cauliflower in oil.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend of spices is what makes the batter so flavorful from the very first bite.
Step 3: Create the Batter
Slowly add the non-dairy milk to the dry mixture, stirring constantly until you get a smooth batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat each cauliflower floret evenly without dripping off too quickly.
Step 4: Coat the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure every nook is covered in that delicious coating. This step is crucial to achieve maximum crunch once fried.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Working in batches, carefully lower the battered cauliflower into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes until each piece is beautifully golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to keep the temperature steady.
Step 6: Drain Excess Oil
Remove the cauliflower with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps absorb extra oil, so your bang bang bites remain delightfully crisp rather than greasy.
Step 7: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together vegan mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and maple syrup until smooth and creamy. Feel free to adjust the sriracha amount to suit your preferred spice level.
Step 8: Toss and Serve
Gently toss the fried cauliflower in the sauce, ensuring every floret is generously coated. This step transforms your crispy bites into the irresistible, saucy star of the meal.
How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe to the next level, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top. They add a fresh pop of color and a bright herbal accent that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. You could also serve it alongside some crunchy cucumber slices or pickled veggies to introduce a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this bang bang cauliflower as an appetizer on a large platter, inviting guests to dig in family-style. Alternatively, build a vibrant Buddha bowl by layering the saucy cauliflower over quinoa with fresh greens and avocado slices for a fully satisfying meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which I bet won’t last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cauliflower will stay tasty but may lose some crunch, so a quick reheat helps.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for the fried cauliflower once coated in sauce because it can make the batter soggy upon thawing. If you want to freeze, try storing the fried cauliflower and sauce separately and combining them after reheating.
Reheating
The best way to revive your Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe leftovers is by reheating in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This helps re-crisp the coating without drying out the veggies.
FAQs
Can I bake the cauliflower instead of frying it?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the cauliflower with batter and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
What non-dairy milk works best for the batter?
Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk are all great choices. Just make sure it’s unflavored to keep the batter’s savory profile balanced and avoid adding unwanted sweetness.
Is the bang bang sauce very spicy?
The sauce has a mild to moderate heat depending on how much sriracha you include. You can easily adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding less or more sriracha or swapping it for a milder hot sauce.
What can I use instead of sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, you can substitute with a mix of chili garlic sauce and a little extra maple syrup or agave to maintain both heat and sweetness.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your cornstarch is gluten-free too. The batter will still turn out crispy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe is a total game changer for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful dishes that are easy to whip up and sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, it delivers an explosion of bold flavors and textures that make plant-based eating so exciting. Go ahead and give it a try—you just might find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe offers a deliciously crispy and spicy plant-based appetizer or snack. Cauliflower florets are battered and deep-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet vegan bang bang sauce that delivers bold flavors without any animal products. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect dish for entertaining or a flavorful vegan treat.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Oil for frying (enough for deep frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup vegan mayo
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or agave nectar)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying the cauliflower.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then gradually stir in the non-dairy milk until a smooth batter forms.
- Batter the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it is fully coated with the mixture.
- Fry the cauliflower: Fry the battered florets in batches for about 3-4 minutes per batch until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried cauliflower from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the excess oil.
- Prepare Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, mix together vegan mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and maple syrup until well combined.
- Toss cauliflower in sauce: Toss the fried cauliflower in the prepared Bang Bang sauce, coating evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce by varying the amount of sriracha used.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for optimal crispiness.
- Serve with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer to maintain crispiness.
