What is bang bang cauliflower?

Bang bang cauliflower is a delicious vegan dish featuring crispy, oven-baked cauliflower florets coated in a light panko crust and drizzled with a tangy, creamy bang bang sauce. The sauce, typically made from a combination of vegan mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice, provides a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors.

Ener-G is a vegan egg replacer made from a blend of starches and leavening agents, designed to mimic the binding properties of eggs in recipes. It forms a consistency similar to beaten eggs when mixed with water, ensuring ingredients stick together and maintain structure, which is ideal for recipes like bang bang cauliflower. Brands like Bob's Red Mill and Follow Your Heart also offer similar egg replacers, available at most grocery or health food stores.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this bang bang cauliflower recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Additionally, ensure that the white rice flour and other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination. This way, you can enjoy the same crispy, flavorful results while adhering to a gluten-free diet.

What can bang bang cauliflower be served with?

Bang bang cauliflower pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Serve it over rice or quinoa, in tacos with fresh slaw and avocado, or as a topping for salads and noodle bowls. It's also a great addition to party platters with other appetizers like spring rolls and veggie skewers.

Bang Bang Cauliflower (Vegan) | Olives for Dinner

Description

Get ready to fall in love with this easy bang bang cauliflower recipe! These crispy, oven-baked cauliflower florets are breaded with panko and served with a rich, creamy, and tangy bang bang sauce. Perfect as a vegan appetizer, this dish is ideal for parties, get-togethers, or any time you want to impress your taste buds with something truly delicious and flavorful!

Ingredients

for the cauliflower

4 cups bite-sized cauliflower florets, rinsed
1/2 cup white rice flour
2 tablespoons Ener-G, whisked with 3/4 cup water
2 cups panko
salt and pepper
spray oil

for the bang bang sauce

1/2 cup vegan mayo
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
juice from half a lime

to serve

2 scallions, thinly sliced
handful of cilantro, finely minced

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Instructions

to prep the cauliflower

Preheat oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper.
Set up a station with three large bowls. In the first bowl, place the rice flour. In the second, place the Ener-G and water. In the third place the panko mixture.
Working in batches, place some of the rinsed-and-still-wet cauliflower florets into the first bowl with the rice flour, and use your hands to toss to coat.
Pick up the cauliflower, shaking off any excess flour and place into the bowl with the vegan egg mixture, and toss to coat. Then place the coated cauliflower into the bowl with the panko and toss well to combine. (The pieces don’t need to be completely covered in panko, but If you find you are having some trouble with getting it to stick, moisten with a little of the vegan egg mixture and press the panko onto the florets with your fingers.)
Place the cauliflower onto the lined baked sheet in a single layer. Repeat with the rest of the cauliflower pieces, then spray the tops of each with a little oil, then season with salt and pepper.
Place into the oven for 15 minutes, or until the tops are slightly golden.
Remove, flip the florets and respray the other side with a little more spray oil. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until golden all over. Do keep an eye on them towards the end of the bake time to prevent burning! (The bake time will vary based on the size of your florets.)

to prep the bang bang sauce

While your cauliflower is baking, combine all of the bang bang sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.

to serve

Allow the cauliflower to slightly cool, then drizzle with the sauce as desired. Sprinkle with the chopped scallions and cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

Store Smart:

Store any leftover Bang Bang Cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or an air fryer for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

How To Select Cauliflower:

Choose a fresh head of cauliflower with tightly packed florets, no brown spots, and vibrant green leaves. A firm, heavy head indicates freshness and quality, ensuring the best texture for your bang bang cauliflower.

Balance the Flavors:

To ensure your bang bang sauce has the perfect balance of flavors, taste and adjust before drizzling over the cauliflower. Add more sriracha for extra heat, a bit more lime juice for tanginess, or a touch more sweet chili sauce for sweetness. Customizing the sauce to your preference ensures a flavor-packed dish every time.

Slightly Cool Before Saucing

Let the cauliflower slightly cool before drizzling with the bang bang sauce. This prevents the sauce from making the crispy coating soggy, ensuring each bite retains its amazing crunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American