Bang Bang Cauliflower is a delightful twist on the popular Bang Bang Chicken, offering a deliciously crispy and spicy experience that’s perfect for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. This oven-baked version transforms simple cauliflower florets into a crunchy, flavorful dish that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare.
The combination of a light batter and Panko breadcrumbs ensures that each bite is packed with texture, while the homemade Bang Bang sauce adds a creamy, zesty kick that takes this dish to the next level. Whether you’re looking for a tasty appetizer for a gathering, a healthy snack, or a side dish to complement your main course, Bang Bang Cauliflower fits the bill. With its enticing flavors and appealing presentation, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table.
So roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in this irresistible, plant-based delight that promises to bring excitement to your dinner plate. With each crispy bite and creamy dip, you’ll find yourself coming back for more, making it a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process of creating this flavorful dish and delight in the smiles it brings to those you share it with!
Ingredients
- For the Cauliflower:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 pints cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 ⅓ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 3 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 420°F (215°C) using natural convection/static heat mode (top and bottom). - Make the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and milk. Add the baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until you have a smooth batter. - Coat the Cauliflower:
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and place them in the batter. Mix until all the florets are evenly coated. - Add Breadcrumbs:
Add the Panko breadcrumbs to the bowl and mix again until the cauliflower florets are fully covered. - Prepare the Baking Tray:
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer on the tray. Drizzle with olive oil for added crispiness. - Bake the Cauliflower:
Place the tray in the middle of the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the florets are golden brown and crispy. - Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary (add more Sriracha for heat or more sweet chili sauce for sweetness). - Serve:
Once the cauliflower is cooked, remove it from the oven and place it in a bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the florets, mixing well to coat evenly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Tips
- For extra crunch, you can spray the coated cauliflower with a bit of cooking spray before baking.
- Feel free to adjust the heat level of the Bang Bang sauce by adding more or less Sriracha according to your taste.
Nutritional Benefits
Bang Bang Cauliflower is a delightful, plant-based dish that is low in calories while providing a good source of vitamins C and K from the cauliflower. The Panko breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch without deep frying, making this a healthier alternative to traditional fried dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe combines the rich flavors of the Bang Bang sauce with the light, crispy texture of oven-baked cauliflower. It makes for an excellent appetizer, snack, or side dish that’s sure to impress your guests! The dish is easy to prepare, and the sauce adds a delicious kick that enhances the natural flavor of the cauliflower.
Dietary Information
This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs.
Why This Recipe Works
The batter coats the cauliflower in a flavorful mixture that crisps up beautifully in the oven, while the Panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy exterior. The Bang Bang sauce provides a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor that complements the roasted cauliflower perfectly. This recipe is not only delicious but also a healthier option that satisfies cravings for comfort food without compromising on taste.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Cauliflower is a versatile dish that everyone can enjoy. Whether served as a starter or a side, this oven-baked recipe brings a unique twist to your dining experience. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes, and savor every bite of this deliciously healthy treat!
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The Best Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe (Oven-Baked)
- Total Time: 40mins
Description
Bang Bang Cauliflower is a delightful twist on the popular Bang Bang Chicken, offering a deliciously crispy and spicy experience that’s perfect for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. This oven-baked version transforms simple cauliflower florets into a crunchy, flavorful dish that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- For the Cauliflower:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 pints cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 1/3 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 3 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 420°F (215°C) using natural convection/static heat mode (top and bottom). - Make the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and milk. Add the baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until you have a smooth batter. - Coat the Cauliflower:
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and place them in the batter. Mix until all the florets are evenly coated. - Add Breadcrumbs:
Add the Panko breadcrumbs to the bowl and mix again until the cauliflower florets are fully covered. - Prepare the Baking Tray:
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer on the tray. Drizzle with olive oil for added crispiness. - Bake the Cauliflower:
Place the tray in the middle of the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the florets are golden brown and crispy. - Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary (add more Sriracha for heat or more sweet chili sauce for sweetness). - Serve:
Once the cauliflower is cooked, remove it from the oven and place it in a bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the florets, mixing well to coat evenly. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 25mins