Bang Bang Cauliflower

Crispy, spicy, and coated in a creamy, sweet chili sauce, Bang Bang Cauliflower is the ultimate meat-free appetizer or side dish with major flavor. Inspired by the popular restaurant-style dish, this version uses oven-baked or air-fried cauliflower florets tossed in a bold and creamy “bang bang” sauce that packs the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, side, or main course with rice, this is one recipe that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Without Deep-Frying – Baked or air-fried cauliflower stays light and crunchy.
Packed With Flavor – A sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce you’ll want to put on everything.
Perfect for All Diets – Vegetarian, easy to make vegan or gluten-free.
Great for Entertaining – Crowd-pleasing and perfect for game days or gatherings.
Simple & Fast – Minimal ingredients, ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup water (or plant milk)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
• Cooking spray or oil (for baking or air frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Extra sauce for drizzling

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet or air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Tongs or spoon
• Parchment paper (for baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower

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 if using the oven.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until smooth.
4. Place breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.

Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower

1. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off excess.
2. Roll in breadcrumbs to coat completely.
3. Arrange on the baking sheet or in the air fryer basket, spacing them apart.
4. Lightly spray with cooking oil for maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Bake or Air Fry

1. Oven: Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Air Fryer: Cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and browned.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, maple syrup (or honey), and vinegar/lime juice.
2. Taste and adjust spiciness or sweetness as desired.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

1. Once cauliflower is crisp and golden, transfer to a large bowl.
2. Toss lightly with bang bang sauce until coated, or drizzle the sauce over the top.
3. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Cauliflower
Keep It Crispy – Toss with sauce just before serving to preserve the crunch.
Use Panko – Panko breadcrumbs add a lighter, airier crunch than regular breadcrumbs.
Adjust the Heat – Add more or less sriracha depending on your spice preference.
Serve Immediately – Best enjoyed hot and fresh for ultimate crispiness.
Double the Sauce – It’s that good—you’ll want extra for dipping or drizzling on rice!

Serving Suggestions
Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks and extra dipping sauce.
Rice Bowl – Spoon over jasmine rice with veggies and a drizzle of sauce.
Tacos – Use as a filling with slaw, avocado, and lime.
Wraps – Tuck into lettuce wraps or tortillas for a fresh and crunchy bite.
Side Dish – Perfect next to grilled proteins or Asian-inspired entrees.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftover cauliflower (without sauce) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Oven or Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5–10 minutes to regain crispiness.
Microwave: Not recommended as it softens the crispy coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
2. Is this vegan?
   It can be! Just use vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.
3. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
   Fresh is best for crispiness, but thawed and well-dried frozen florets can work in a pinch.
4. How spicy is the sauce?
   It has a mild-to-medium kick. Adjust sriracha to taste.
5. Can I prep it ahead of time?
   Yes, coat the cauliflower and refrigerate it. Bake or air fry just before serving, then toss with sauce.

Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Cauliflower is the spicy, saucy, and seriously satisfying dish your recipe box has been missing. Whether served as a plant-based appetizer, side dish, or main, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and dripping with bang bang flavor—it’s comfort food meets crave-worthy spice.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how yours turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 270 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 390mg

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