Name: Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 pounds, cut into florets); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup plant-based milk (such as almond or soy); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling); 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil

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If you are searching for a crowd-pleaser that is both spicy and comforting, look no further than these Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings. This recipe takes humble cauliflower florets and transforms them into crispy, saucy bites that deliver a perfect punch of creamy heat and subtle sweetness. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply crave a delicious plant-based appetizer, the Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings balance bold flavors and satisfying textures in a way that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create a truly sensational dish. Each item was chosen not just for availability but to build layers of flavor and texture, resulting in that crispy yet tender cauliflower coated in a tangy, creamy sauce.

Cauliflower: The star of the recipe; its firm texture holds up well to baking and sauce tossing.
All-purpose flour: Helps create a smooth, thick batter that crisps perfectly around the cauliflower.
Plant-based milk: Adds moisture to the batter and keeps it vegan without sacrificing taste.
Garlic powder: Provides a savory depth to the batter for extra flavor.
Onion powder: Complements the garlic with a subtle sweetness and richness.
Smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness that elevates the wings.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite.
Olive oil: Drizzled on the cauliflower to encourage crisping and golden color.
Vegan mayonnaise: The creamy base for the signature bang bang sauce, adding richness.
Sriracha sauce: Brings the spicy kick that defines the dish, adjustable to your heat preference.
Maple syrup: Balances heat with just the right touch of sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a bright tang that cuts through the richness.
Sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma for an extra dimension of flavor.

How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This prep step ensures your cauliflower wings will crisp up beautifully in the hot oven without losing their shape.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and seasoning with salt and pepper. The batter should be silky smooth and thick enough to coat each cauliflower floret evenly, which is crucial for that perfect crispy outer shell.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower Florets

Dip each cauliflower piece into the batter, making sure it’s completely covered. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor and crispness. Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each to promote even cooking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Drizzle olive oil over the battered cauliflower to enhance browning and crispiness. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve a gorgeous golden crust on all sides. When the baking is done, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma that promises deliciousness.

Step 5: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

While the cauliflower cooks, mix together vegan mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl or saucepan. Stir or whisk until the sauce is smooth and everything is well combined. This luscious sauce is what makes the Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings so uniquely addictive.

Step 6: Toss Cauliflower in the Sauce

Once your crispy cauliflower wings are out of the oven, immediately toss them gently in the prepared bang bang sauce. This ensures every floret is coated evenly with that irresistible creamy, spicy glaze.

How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings

Garnishes

To add a burst of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped green onions or a few toasted sesame seeds on top right before serving. These garnishes add not only beautiful color contrast but also a subtle crunch and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve your Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings alongside crisp celery sticks or carrot batons to balance the spicy richness. They also pair wonderfully with a cool cucumber salad or your favorite vegan ranch dipping sauce for extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at your next gathering? Arrange the wings on a platter lined with kale or lettuce leaves, along with small bowls of dipping sauces. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve them atop a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal that still feels like a treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves their texture and flavor, making it easy to enjoy quick snacks or additions to meals later on.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cauliflower wings by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen wings maintain their taste and texture for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet in a preheated 375 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through. This method restores their crispiness far better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these wings gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to keep the batter smooth and crispy without gluten.

How spicy are the Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings?

The heat level can be customized by adjusting the amount of sriracha sauce in the bang bang sauce. Start with less and increase gradually if you prefer a spicier kick.

Can I air fry these instead of baking?

Yes, air frying works great. Arrange the coated cauliflower in your air fryer basket, and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.

What plant-based milk works best?

Neutral-flavored milks like almond or soy work best for the batter since they don’t alter the taste much, but you can experiment with oat or cashew milk as well.

Can I prepare the bang bang sauce in advance?

Definitely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before tossing with the cauliflower wings to refresh the flavors.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the combination of crispy cauliflower and that irresistible bang bang sauce. Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings are not only a fantastic snack or appetizer but also a joyful way to bring plant-based cooking to your table with plenty of bold flavor. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and watch it become a new favorite for every occasion and every palate.

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 24 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

These Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings are a flavorful and crispy plant-based alternative to traditional wings. The cauliflower florets are coated in a seasoned batter, baked until perfectly crispy, and then tossed in a creamy, tangy, and spicy Bang Bang sauce made from vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and maple syrup. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party dish, these wings deliver bold flavors while being completely vegan and gluten-free when using appropriate flour.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated, then arrange them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding.
Bake Cauliflower: Drizzle the cauliflower lightly with olive oil to help crispness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the florets turn golden brown and crispy. Flip the pieces halfway through the baking time for even cooking.
Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, combine vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan or bowl and stir until evenly mixed and smooth.
Toss in Sauce: Once the cauliflower wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately toss the crispy florets in the prepared Bang Bang sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings immediately with optional garnishes such as chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying.
Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
To make the wings extra crispy, you can bake them on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet.
These wings are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Feel free to add a squeeze of lime juice to the sauce for added tanginess if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Vegan, American