Bang Bang Cauliflower

Crispy, saucy, and full of bold flavor, this Bang Bang Cauliflower is a plant-based spin on a takeout favorite. Roasted or air-fried cauliflower florets are coated in a light batter, baked to perfection, and then tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with mayo, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, this recipe brings the heat and satisfaction without the meat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Flavorful – Lightly battered cauliflower turns golden and crisp.
Sweet & Spicy Sauce – The signature bang bang sauce is bold and addictive.
Oven or Air Fryer – Choose your preferred cooking method.
Vegan-Friendly – Easily made plant-based with the right substitutions.
Versatile – Serve in tacos, wraps, rice bowls, or as a crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cauliflower:
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup water (or plant-based milk)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 tsp lime juice or rice vinegar

For Garnish:
Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Lime wedges (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Baking sheet with parchment or air fryer
Whisk and spatula
Tongs or slotted spoon
Serving plate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. The batter should be thick enough to coat the florets—adjust with more water if too thick.
3. Optional: Pour breadcrumbs into a separate bowl for added crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

1. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
2. If using breadcrumbs, roll each battered floret in breadcrumbs after dipping.
3. Place on the prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket in a single layer.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
Oven:

1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

Air Fryer:

1. Air fry in batches for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, maple syrup, and lime juice.
2. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as needed.

Step 6: Toss or Drizzle

1. For max crispiness, drizzle the sauce over the cauliflower just before serving.
2. For full coverage, toss the cauliflower in a large bowl with the sauce.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Cauliflower
Cut Even Pieces – Ensures uniform cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches to keep the coating crisp.
Sauce Last Minute – Keeps the cauliflower from getting soggy.
Make it Vegan – Use vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.
Add a Kick – Increase sriracha or add chili flakes for more heat.

Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Bowls – Serve over rice with cucumbers, carrots, and avocado.
Tacos – Stuff into soft tortillas with slaw and lime crema.
Wraps – Roll in a flatbread with hummus and greens.
Appetizer Platter – Serve with extra dipping sauce and veggies.
Side Dish – Pairs well with stir-fried rice or noodles.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat:
Oven or air fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
Microwave: Softens texture but still flavorful—heat for 30–60 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes—use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
2. What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
   Mix a little honey with hot sauce or sriracha as a simple substitute.
3. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
   Fresh is best for texture, but thawed frozen cauliflower can work in a pinch.
4. Is this dish very spicy?
   It’s moderately spicy—adjust sriracha to taste.

Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Cauliflower is a bold, flavor-packed dish that satisfies with every crispy, saucy bite. Whether served as an appetizer, tucked into a taco, or enjoyed on its own, it’s a vibrant recipe that adds excitement to any meal. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Try it today and bring some bang to your table!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 420mg

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