Bang Bang Cauliflower (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Saucy Bang Bang Mix
01 -
1/4 cup sambal oelek or your go-to spicy chili paste (sriracha's great!)
02 -
1/2 cup plant-based mayo
03 -
2 tablespoons sweetener like maple syrup or agave
→ Batter for Cauliflower
04 -
1/2 cup cornstarch
05 -
3/4 cup plain flour (gluten-free substitute works well)
06 -
3/4 cup non-dairy milk, combined with 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
07 -
1 head of cauliflower, chopped into small florets
08 -
1 tablespoon sambal oelek or your spicy chili paste pick
09 -
1/2 teaspoon each of black pepper and sea salt
10 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
11 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
→ Bread Crumbs Coating
12 -
1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs (add a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
→ Toppings
13 -
A sprinkle of sesame seeds as garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Mix the vegan mayo, your chili paste choice, and maple syrup in a medium bowl until it's smooth and drizzle-ready. Set aside for later.
02 -
Preheat to 450°F (230°C). Use foil or a silicone mat on your baking pan—this helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easy.
03 -
Combine the flour, cornstarch, chili paste, plant milk mixture, and all the spices in a big bowl. Stir until smooth and sticky like tempura batter. Too thin? Add more flour. Too thick? Splash in more milk.
04 -
Dip your cauliflower pieces in the batter till they're fully covered. Roll them in the breadcrumb mix next, and space them out on your baking pan.
05 -
Bake everything for around 22 minutes. Your oven needs to be hot and ready to go so the coating gets nice and crispy.
06 -
Carefully coat the baked cauliflower with the bang bang sauce. Use tongs or a spatula to make sure it's covered evenly, then place it back on the pan.
07 -
Pop it back in the oven for 1-2 minutes. This helps the sauce stick better and soak in.
08 -
Sprinkle sesame seeds over everything while it's hot. Serve up and enjoy the crispiness right away!
# Notes:
01 -
Each bite is a mix of sweet, spicy, and oh-so-crispy! You won't be able to stop munching.
02 -
Adjust the chili paste and seasoning to amp up or cool down the heat level to your liking.
03 -
These make awesome party snacks, but pair them with rice and veggies for a fantastic meal too.