Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe

If you’re craving something crispy, creamy, and bursting with bold flavors, you have to try Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower. This dish transforms humble cauliflower florets into a dazzlingly delicious treat, coated in a perfectly crunchy batter, baked until golden, and then tossed in a luscious bang bang sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and utterly irresistible. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet wholesome, making it perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course for anyone looking to enjoy vibrant vegan comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor. From the crispy coating to the rich, zesty sauce, each component is simple yet powerful, contributing to a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

• Cauliflower (4 cups florets): The star of the dish, offering a mild and satisfying base that crisps up beautifully.
• All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Creates the batter’s structure for a perfect crunch after baking.
• Non-dairy milk (1-1.5 cups): Keeps the batter smooth and vegan while helping it stick to the cauliflower.
• Panko breadcrumbs (1-2 cups): Adds an extra layer of light and crispy texture that you’ll love.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (1 cup): Delivers the signature sweet heat essential to the bang bang flavor.
• Vegan mayo (1 cup): Brings creamy richness that balances the spice perfectly.
• Sriracha (1-2 teaspoons): Gives a punch of heat, adjustable to your preferred spice level.
• Nutritional yeast (2 tablespoons): Adds subtle cheesy notes to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
• Seasonings (garlic, onion, ginger powder): Elevate the batter and sauce with layers of savory warmth.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
• Green onions and sesame seeds: Fresh, crunchy garnishes that add color and texture on top.

How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Flour Mix

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F to get it hot and ready for a crispy bake. While it warms up, line a baking tray with parchment or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic, onion, and ginger powder along with salt and pepper. This seasoned flour mixture will give your batter a flavorful base that really shines in every bite.

Step 2: Create the Batter and Coat the Cauliflower

Next, slowly stir the non-dairy milk into the seasoned flour mix until you reach a smooth, thick batter consistency. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Then roll the battered florets in panko breadcrumbs; they provide that coveted crunch that makes Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower so special. Make sure each piece has a nice, even coating.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Arrange the coated cauliflower evenly on your baking tray. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through to ensure an all-around golden crispiness. The result should be irresistibly crunchy on the outside while tender on the inside—exactly what you want from perfect Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower.

Step 4: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While your cauliflower is baking, mix together the Thai sweet chili sauce, vegan mayo, sriracha, and nutritional yeast in a bowl. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if you like things spicier. This sauce is the heart and soul of the dish, bringing creaminess, sweetness, and a pleasant kick all in one.

Step 5: Toss and Garnish

Once the cauliflower is out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes before gently tossing it in the bang bang sauce until every piece is lovingly coated. Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top for fresh, crunchy, and nutty notes that complete this dish perfectly.

How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Garnishes

Though green onions and sesame seeds are classic garnishes, feel free to get creative with fresh cilantro, thinly sliced radishes, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness. These little additions not only add pops of color but also elevate the overall flavor experience.

Side Dishes

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up any extra sauce. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow guests? Try presenting the cauliflower atop a bed of vermicelli noodles sprinkled with crushed peanuts or inside lettuce cups for an interactive and fun way to enjoy this dish. Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower also makes a fantastic filling for wraps or tacos, adding a crispy, tangy element to your meal lineup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if you want to preserve the cauliflower’s crunchiness until you’re ready to eat.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to make it ahead of time. Freeze individual battered and baked cauliflower pieces on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy, simply thaw and toss them in freshly made bang bang sauce.

Reheating

For reheating, pop the cauliflower back into a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy. Once hot and crisp, toss with sauce or drizzle it on right before serving.

FAQs

Is this Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free?

The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs, which contain gluten. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free without losing the delicious texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! The amount of sriracha is fully adjustable. Use less for a mild heat or add more if you love a fiery kick. The Thai sweet chili sauce also carries a gentle sweetness, helping to balance the spice perfectly.

What’s the best non-dairy milk to use?

Any unsweetened plant-based milk will work well, such as almond, soy, oat, or cashew milk. Just be sure to choose an unsweetened variety so the batter doesn’t get too sweet, keeping the savory flavors front and center.

Can I air fry Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower instead of baking?

Yes! Air frying is a great alternative that can give you extra crispy results in less time. Cook at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping. Just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely. The crunchy texture and sweet-spicy sauce usually win kids over, especially if you tone down the sriracha for less heat. It’s a fun way to enjoy vegetables in a crowd-pleasing style.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower enough if you’re searching for a delightful vegan dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and so satisfying. It’s packed with bold tastes and textures that will brighten up any meal or snack time. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy cauliflower!

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