Description
This Best Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe offers a crispy, flavorful alternative to traditional fried cauliflower. Coated in a seasoned batter and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection, these cauliflower bites are tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, this dish is easy to prepare and delivers bold, tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Main Ingredients
- 2 pints cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 ⅓ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 3 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 420°F (215°C) using natural convection/static heat mode to ensure even baking and crispiness.
- Prepare Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, milk, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth batter without lumps.
- Coat Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Dip each floret into the prepared batter, making sure it is fully and evenly coated to help the breadcrumbs stick.
- Breadcrumb Coating: Roll or coat the batter-dipped florets thoroughly in Panko breadcrumbs to add a crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake Cauliflower: Arrange the coated florets in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking tray. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to promote browning and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Mix well and adjust the seasoning if needed, balancing heat and tanginess.
- Toss and Serve: Once the cauliflower is done baking, immediately toss the crispy florets in the Bang Bang sauce until fully coated. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Sriracha in the sauce.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Drizzling olive oil before baking helps the cauliflower crisp up without deep frying.
- You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
- Serving immediately after tossing in sauce ensures the cauliflower stays crisp.
- Adjust salt and pepper in batter according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Bang Bang Cauliflower, crispy baked cauliflower, spicy cauliflower appetizer, vegetarian snack, Asian fusion recipe, healthy cauliflower recipe
