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Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe

4.8 from 29 reviews

A crispy and flavorful Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe featuring crunchy baked cauliflower florets coated in a spicy, creamy, and tangy sauce made from Thai sweet chili, vegan mayo, and sriracha. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, this plant-based delight is both easy to prepare and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower and Breading

  • 1 medium cauliflower (about 4 cups florets)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 to 1.5 cups non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy)
  • 1 to 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
  • 1 cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

Garnish

  • Green onions, thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Make the Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the non-dairy milk until you achieve a smooth, slightly thick batter suitable for coating cauliflower.
  3. Coat Cauliflower Florets: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in Panko breadcrumbs until well covered. Set them on the prepared baking tray, spaced evenly to allow crisping.
  4. Bake the Cauliflower: Bake the coated cauliflower in the preheated oven for a total of 30 minutes. Halfway through the baking time (around 15 minutes), flip the florets to ensure even browning and crispiness. The florets should be golden and crispy when done.
  5. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, mix together the Thai sweet chili sauce, vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and nutritional yeast in a bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  6. Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Once the cauliflower is baked and crispy, transfer it to a large bowl and toss with the prepared bang bang sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level to your liking.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and Panko with gluten-free alternatives.
  • Use a high-quality Thai sweet chili sauce for authentic flavor.
  • Make sure to flip the florets halfway during baking to ensure even crispiness.
  • Serving this dish immediately preserves the crunch; leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer but may lose some crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Vegan bang bang cauliflower, vegan appetizer, baked cauliflower, spicy cauliflower, plant-based snack, vegan party food