If you’ve ever craved that crispy, spicy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying bite, then you’re going to LOVE this recipe. Bang Bang Cauliflower hits all the right notes with its crispy exterior, creamy sauce, and a little kick that makes you reach for just one more piece. Trust me, this dish is a game-changer.
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Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer, a side dish to elevate dinner, or a satisfying vegan snack, this one’s got you covered. The cauliflower is perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in that irresistible bang bang sauce. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite, and once you start, it’s hard to stop. You’re going to want to make this again and again!
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Cauliflower
Versatile: Perfect for game day, a quick weeknight dinner, or a fun party snack. It’s one of those dishes that can fit any vibe, whether you’re cozying up with a movie or serving guests at a gathering.
Crispy Goodness: The cauliflower is baked to crispy perfection, making it crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside. The texture is the real star here—it’s just so satisfying.
Creamy & Spicy Sauce: The homemade Bang Bang sauce is creamy with just the right amount of heat. It’s made with ingredients you probably already have, but the flavor is next-level!
Quick & Easy: In less than 30 minutes, you’ve got a crave-worthy dish that’s super easy to make. No complicated steps—just simple ingredients and easy prep.
Healthy Twist: If you’re craving something indulgent but still want to keep it on the healthier side, this cauliflower satisfies without the guilt. It’s crispy, saucy, and much lighter than traditional fried options.
Ingredients in Bang Bang Cauliflower
Here’s how this dish comes together. Simple ingredients, big flavor—let’s break it down:
Cauliflower Florets: These are the stars of the dish, and when coated in the crispy batter, they turn into little bites of heaven.
Cornstarch & Flour: This combination gives the cauliflower that perfect crunch. It’s the secret to the crispy texture we’re all after.
Plant-Based Milk (or regular milk): Helps create the batter that coats the cauliflower in a thin, crispy layer.
Breadcrumbs: For an extra layer of crunch, making sure your cauliflower stays crispy even with that creamy sauce on top.
Olive Oil: For drizzling before baking to help achieve that golden crispiness.
Bang Bang Sauce: This is the magic sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, rice vinegar, and a touch of sweetness. It’s creamy, spicy, and addictive.
Instructions
Ready to make this crispy, spicy goodness? Here’s how to do it:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that the cauliflower gets nice and crispy when baking.
Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and plant-based milk (or regular milk) to create the batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower.
Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated, then roll it in breadcrumbs. Place the coated florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake to Perfection: Drizzle a little olive oil over the cauliflower and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want them golden brown and crispy—check them around the 20-minute mark for that perfect crunch!
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (or maple syrup) in a bowl. Taste and adjust the sauce to your preference—add more sriracha if you like extra heat!
Toss and Serve: Once the cauliflower is out of the oven, drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top and toss to coat. Serve immediately while it’s still crispy and piping hot.
How to Serve Bang Bang Cauliflower
This dish is great on its own, but you can also pair it with these:
Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete meal. It’s like having a full-on flavor explosion in every bite.
Fresh Veggies: Pair with a simple side salad or some sliced cucumber for a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
Tortillas or Wraps: For a fun twist, serve these cauliflower bites in a soft tortilla, add some veggies, and drizzle with extra Bang Bang sauce. It makes for an epic wrap or taco.
Additional Tips
Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: It helps the cauliflower crisp up without sticking, and it makes cleanup a breeze!
Use the Right Sauce: For that authentic Bang Bang taste, make sure to use sriracha and rice vinegar. These are key to getting the right balance of spicy and tangy.
Baking Not Frying: Baking the cauliflower instead of frying it keeps it lighter but still gives you that satisfying crunch. It’s a healthier option without sacrificing flavor!
Make it Vegan: To keep this dish plant-based, use vegan mayo and make sure your breadcrumbs are vegan-friendly.
Adjust the Heat: You can tone down the heat by using less sriracha or omitting it altogether if you prefer a milder sauce.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain the cauliflower before coating and baking.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness.
Q3: Can I make this in advance?
A3: You can prepare the cauliflower ahead of time and store it uncooked in the fridge for a day. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat!
Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
A4: Yes! Just use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the coating.
Q5: Can I use a different sauce?
A5: Of course! If you want to change up the flavor, try using a sweet chili sauce or a creamy ranch dressing instead.
Q6: How do I make it spicier?
A6: Add extra sriracha or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for that extra kick!
Q7: Can I fry the cauliflower instead of baking it?
A7: Yes! If you prefer frying, heat oil in a pan and fry until golden brown. Just be sure to drain the excess oil on a paper towel.
Q8: How do I keep the cauliflower crispy?
A8: Serve immediately after coating with sauce, or bake a little longer until extra crispy. You can also reheat in the oven to help keep that crunch.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled, especially for a party or gathering. Just make sure to use two baking sheets to give the cauliflower enough space.
Q10: Can I freeze this dish?
A10: Yes! Freeze the baked cauliflower and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Cauliflower is crispy, creamy, and spicy perfection all wrapped up in one. It’s a fun, flavorful dish that will have everyone at the table coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or making it the star of the meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Print
Bang Bang Cauliflower
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bang Bang Cauliflower is a crispy, spicy, and creamy dish with cauliflower florets coated in a crunchy batter and drizzled with a delicious bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili, and sriracha. It’s a perfect appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup cornstarch, *see notes for substitutions
- avocado oil for pan-frying
- Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, beaten egg, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss to coat in the mixture.
- In a separate shallow dish, place the cornstarch. Dredge each cauliflower floret in the cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Heat a generous amount of avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the cauliflower florets in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce to make the bang bang sauce.
- Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the crispy cauliflower or toss the florets in the sauce to coat.
- Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use potato starch or rice flour as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
- This recipe can also be baked for a healthier version—just coat the cauliflower and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg