Cauliflower Wings

Crispy vegan Cauliflower Wings tossed with homemade buffalo sauce are the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, enjoying a casual dinner, or looking for a flavorful snack, these wings will impress everyone at the table. The unique blend of spices and the satisfying crunch make them an irresistible choice, even for meat lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The homemade buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick that elevates the taste of the wings.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip these up in just 30 minutes.
• Vegan-Friendly: Perfect for plant-based diets, these wings are a guilt-free indulgence.
• Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer, snack, or main course; they fit any meal or gathering.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even non-vegans will enjoy these tasty bites, making them ideal for parties.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools not only saves time but also ensures better results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Paper towels

Why These Tools Matter

• Frying pan: A sturdy frying pan is essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture on your cauliflower wings.
• Whisk: Using a whisk helps create a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing dry and wet ingredients.
• Cutting board & Knife: These tools are vital for safely chopping the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients

Crispy vegan Cauliflower Wings tossed with homemade buffalo sauce are so delicious you won’t even miss the meat.

For the Cauliflower Wings

• 1 bottle vegetable oil (48 ounce)
• 1 head cauliflower
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Cajun spice
• 1 ¼ tablespoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ¼ cup seltzer water

For the Buffalo Sauce

• ¾ cup Frank’s hot sauce
• 5 tablespoons vegan butter
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 ¼ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

How to Make Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat until it reaches the right temperature for frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into large bite-sized pieces and set aside to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Salt
4. Cajun spice
5. Baking powder
6. Black pepper

Whisk together until mixed. Gradually pour in seltzer water and whisk until fully combined.

Step 4: Fry the Cauliflower

Dip each piece of cauliflower into the batter letting excess drip off. Carefully place them in hot oil and fry for three to four minutes on each side until light golden brown.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil

Fry five to six pieces at a time and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 6: Prepare Buffalo Sauce

While frying, combine in a small pan:
1. Hot sauce
2. Vegan butter
3. Brown sugar
4. Worcestershire sauce
5. Garlic powder
6. Onion powder

Heat over medium heat and let simmer for five minutes before removing from heat.

Step 7: Toss in Sauce

Once all cauliflower has cooked, gently toss it in your prepared buffalo sauce until well-coated.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Serve your delicious cauliflower wings right away while they’re hot and crispy!

How to Serve Cauliflower Wings

Cauliflower wings are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways that enhance their flavor. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a cozy night in, these crispy treats will surely impress.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing complements the spicy buffalo sauce beautifully.
• Blue Cheese Dip: For a classic taste, serve with a tangy blue cheese dip for an extra kick.

Add Toppings

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: A dash of sesame seeds brings a nutty taste and makes for an appealing presentation.

Create a Cauliflower Wing Platter

• Veggie Sticks: Serve with assorted veggie sticks like carrots and celery for a healthy crunch.
• Fruit Salsa: A refreshing fruit salsa can balance the heat of the wings perfectly.

How to Perfect Cauliflower Wings

Achieving the ideal cauliflower wings requires attention to detail in both preparation and cooking techniques. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Bold Batter: Ensure your batter is thick enough to coat the cauliflower well, which helps create that crispy texture.
• Hot Oil: Always make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the cauliflower. This prevents sogginess and promotes crispiness.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each piece cooks evenly.
• Rest on Paper Towels: Allow fried cauliflower wings to rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping them crispy.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices in the batter or buffalo sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Cauliflower Wings

These cauliflower wings pair wonderfully with various side dishes, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy fries add a sweet contrast to the spicy wings—bake or fry for extra crunch.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that enhances every bite of cauliflower wings.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and complements the rich flavors of buffalo sauce.
4. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of garlic bread offers a comforting side option.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can help balance out the meal while providing additional nutrients.
6. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges are a hearty addition that pairs well with any dipping sauces you choose.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making crispy Cauliflower Wings can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the batter: A good batter is essential for crispy wings. Ensure you combine all dry ingredients well before adding the seltzer water for a smooth consistency.
• Using old oil: Fresh oil ensures better frying. Avoid using oil that has been used multiple times, as it can affect flavor and texture.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in small batches for even cooking and crispiness.
• Not drying the cauliflower: Moisture on the cauliflower can prevent a good batter stick. Pat the florets dry with a paper towel before dipping them into the batter.
• Ignoring frying time: Keep an eye on your cauliflower while frying. Cooking too long can lead to burnt wings, while too little time will leave them soggy.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cauliflower Wings

• Place cooled wings in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cauliflower Wings

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake wings for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in softer wings.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a bit of oil if needed, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cauliflower Wings?

Cauliflower Wings are a vegan dish made from battered and fried cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce. They offer a delicious alternative to traditional chicken wings.

Can I make Cauliflower Wings gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or chickpea flour to create gluten-free Cauliflower Wings without sacrificing flavor.

How can I customize my Cauliflower Wings?

Feel free to experiment with different spices in your batter or use various sauces like BBQ or teriyaki for an exciting twist on classic Cauliflower Wings.

Are Cauliflower Wings healthy?

While they do contain some oil, they are generally healthier than traditional wings due to being lower in calories and fat while providing fiber from vegetables.

Conclusion

These crispy Cauliflower Wings are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can easily customize them by trying different sauces or spices, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a guilt-free snack that everyone will love!

---