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Crispy Bang Bang Cauliflower

Crispy Bang Bang Cauliflower
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Crispy Bang Bang Cauliflower is a quick, easy, and flavorful snack featuring perfectly crispy cauliflower florets coated in a spicy, creamy Bang Bang sauce. This healthy, vegan-friendly dish is ready in under 30 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients and baking techniques to deliver satisfying crunch and bold flavors without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea/rice flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup plant-based milk
  • Cooking oil spray

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (vegan mayo for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1–2 teaspoons Sriracha (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking and crispness.
  2. Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the plant-based milk, stirring until you get a smooth batter that can fully coat the florets.
  3. Coat the Cauliflower: Toss each cauliflower floret in the batter to coat thoroughly. Shake off any excess batter to prevent clumping, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
  4. Bake until Crispy: Lightly spray the coated florets with cooking oil spray. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve even golden crispness.
  5. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While baking, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, lime juice, and maple syrup in a bowl. Adjust the spice and sweetness to suit your taste.
  6. Toss and Serve: Once the cauliflower is crispy and golden, transfer to a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the florets and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Serve immediately for best crispiness.

Notes

  • Pat the cauliflower florets dry before battering to help the coating stick better.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; spread florets out for proper air circulation and maximum crispiness.
  • Using cornstarch in the batter is key to achieving a crunchy texture.
  • Baking at a high temperature crisps the coating without drying out the cauliflower inside.
  • Toss the sauce just before serving to maintain the cauliflower’s crispness.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated without sauce for up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer to revive crispness.
  • Freeze plain baked florets for up to 1 month; reheat before adding sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crispy cauliflower, Bang Bang sauce, vegan appetizer, gluten-free snack, spicy cauliflower, healthy snack, plant-based

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/crispy-bang-bang-cauliflower/