Description
Dive into the world of Bang Bang Cauliflower, a delectable vegetarian dish that packs a punch of flavor and crunch. This irresistible recipe takes humble cauliflower and transforms it into a showstopping appetizer or side that’s sure to impress. With its crispy exterior and zesty Bang Bang sauce, this dish is a must-try for anyone craving a unique and satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (adjust to desired spice level)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 420°F in natural convection/static heat mode for even cooking.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, milk, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Add Breadcrumbs: After battering, toss each floret in Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
5. Bake: Place the breaded cauliflower florets on a parchment-lined baking tray in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Make the Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Combine: Once the cauliflower is crispy, remove it from the oven and toss it in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
8. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately as an appetizer or side dish.
Notes
To ensure your Bang Bang Cauliflower turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
– Choose the Right Cauliflower: Look for a fresh, firm head of cauliflower with tightly packed florets for the best texture and flavor.
– Spice It Up: Adjust the amount of Sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang sauce to suit your desired level of spiciness.
– Bake, Don’t Fry: While frying can produce a crispier texture, baking is a healthier option that still delivers satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg