Cauliflower Wings

Crispy vegan Cauliflower Wings tossed with homemade buffalo sauce are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or simply as a wholesome snack, these wings pack a punch of flavor without sacrificing health. They’re easy to make and will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. Get ready to indulge in a dish that stands out with its spicy kick and satisfying crunch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Spicy: The homemade buffalo sauce adds a fiery kick that perfectly complements the crispy cauliflower.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made entirely from plant-based ingredients, these wings fit well into vegan diets without compromising on taste.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, they are a fantastic option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Dish: Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or main course depending on your occasion; they fit any meal plan!
• Health-Conscious Choice: Lower in calories than traditional wings, they offer a guilt-free alternative without giving up flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up these delicious Cauliflower Wings, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make the process easier and more efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Deep frying pan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels

Why These Tools Matter

• Deep frying pan: Allows even cooking and better heat retention for perfectly crispy wings.
• Whisk: Essential for combining dry ingredients with wet ingredients smoothly to create the batter.
• Slotted spoon: Helps drain excess oil from the wings after frying, ensuring they stay crispy.
• Paper towels: Absorb extra grease from the finished wings for a healthier bite.

Ingredients

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 deep frying pan over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into large bite-sized pieces. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, salt, Cajun spice, baking powder, and black pepper. Whisk them together until well combined. Pour in the seltzer water gradually while whisking until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Fry the Cauliflower

Dip each piece of cauliflower into the batter allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully drop them into the hot oil one by one. Fry until they turn light golden brown, about three to four minutes on each side.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil

Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cauliflower onto a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil.

Step 6: Make Buffalo Sauce

While frying, combine hot sauce, vegan butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for five minutes before removing from heat.

Step 7: Toss in Sauce

After all cauliflower pieces are cooked and drained, gently toss them in the prepared buffalo sauce until evenly coated.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your crispy vegan Cauliflower Wings right away while they’re hot!

How to Serve Cauliflower Wings

Cauliflower wings are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a simple snack, here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your cauliflower wings experience.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing complements the spicy buffalo flavor perfectly.
• Blue Cheese Dip: The tanginess of blue cheese dip balances the heat of the wings.
• Guacamole: For a fresh twist, serve with homemade guacamole for added creaminess.

Create a Cauliflower Wing Platter

• Veggie Sticks: Pair your wings with crunchy celery and carrots for a refreshing contrast.
• Pickles: Add pickles for an extra zing that cuts through the richness of the wings.
• Fruit Slices: Fresh fruits like apple or cucumber slices can provide a sweet and refreshing bite.

Use as a Salad Topping

• Mixed Greens: Toss cauliflower wings on a bed of mixed greens for a hearty salad.
• Quinoa Salad: Top a quinoa salad with wings for added protein and flavor.

How to Perfect Cauliflower Wings

To achieve the best cauliflower wings, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your recipe.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure your batter is well-seasoned with spices to enhance flavor.
• Hot Oil: Test the oil temperature before frying by dropping in a small amount of batter; it should sizzle immediately.
• Even Coating: Make sure each piece of cauliflower is evenly coated in batter to ensure crispiness.
• Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to soggy wings.
• Rest After Frying: Let fried cauliflower rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil before tossing in sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Cauliflower Wings

Cauliflower wings make a delightful main dish, but they pair wonderfully with sides that complement their flavors. Here are some fantastic side dishes to enjoy alongside your cauliflower wings.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds freshness and contrasts nicely with spicy flavors.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried sweet potato fries offer a sweet touch that pairs well with buffalo sauce.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob brings summer vibes and sweetness to your meal.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide heartiness and texture.
5. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad refreshes the palate between bites of flavorful wings.
6. Garlic Breadsticks: Cheesy garlic breadsticks add satisfying carbs that will please any crowd.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Cauliflower Wings can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the batter: Failing to properly coat the cauliflower in batter can lead to soggy wings. Ensure each piece is fully coated before frying.
• Using too much oil: Overcrowding the frying pan can lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy wings. Fry in small batches for a crispy texture.
• Not adjusting spice levels: Not customizing the spice blend can make your wings bland. Feel free to add more seasoning or hot sauce to match your taste preferences.
• Ignoring cooking time: Overcooking or undercooking can affect texture. Keep an eye on the cauliflower and aim for a light golden brown color.
• Skipping the resting time: Not allowing fried wings to rest on paper towels means excess oil isn’t absorbed. This step is crucial for achieving crispiness.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container.
• item They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cauliflower Wings

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

Reheating Cauliflower Wings

• item Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps retain crispiness.
• item Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may make them softer.
• item Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and re-crisp for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cauliflower Wings?

Cauliflower Wings are a vegan alternative to traditional chicken wings, made by battering and frying cauliflower florets, then tossing them in spicy buffalo sauce.

How do I make Cauliflower Wings crispy?

To achieve crispy Cauliflower Wings, ensure you fry them in small batches and let them rest on paper towels after cooking to absorb excess oil.

Can I customize the flavor of my Cauliflower Wings?

Absolutely! You can adjust spices in the batter or experiment with different sauces like barbecue or teriyaki for varied flavors.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftover Cauliflower Wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

These delicious Cauliflower Wings are not only crispy and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with different spices and sauces, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful meat-free snack that everyone will love!

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