Get ready to fall in love with Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower, a crispy, flavor-packed appetizer or main dish that delivers an irresistible combination of spicy, sweet, and savory in every bite. This plant-based twist on a classic favorite takes tender cauliflower florets, coats them in a crunchy panko crust, and roasts them to golden perfection before tossing them in a creamy, tangy Bang Bang sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything. With bold textures and colors, this recipe is as exciting to make as it is to eat—perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a meat-free delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is how accessible and fuss-free the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in making this dish pop with texture and taste. From the everyday spices to the signature sauce, every element helps create those crispy, saucy bites you’ll crave.
- Cauliflower: The star! Opt for a large head, cut into small florets for the ideal bite-size crunch.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter for a pillowy, light coating.
- Unsweetened plant-based milk: Helps create a smooth, clingy batter—almond, soy, or oat milk all work wonderfully.
- Garlic powder: Adds mellow, savory depth to every bite.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the batter with a subtle undertone that’s never overpowering.
- Smoked paprika: Provides a whisper of smokiness and an appealing red hue.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the other spices.
- Black pepper: Adds just enough warmth to boost all the other seasonings.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Deliver ultra-crisp texture that holds up to the sauce.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures a golden bake while keeping things grease-free.
- Vegan mayonnaise: The creamy base for that iconic Bang Bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Gives the sauce its sweet, tangy kick—don’t skip it!
- Sriracha: Brings the fire; add more or less depending on your spice level.
- Maple syrup or agave nectar: Balances the heat with just the right touch of sweetness.
How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Chop your cauliflower into bite-sized florets, aiming for fairly even sizes so they bake at the same rate.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until perfectly smooth. You want the consistency to be like pancake batter—thick enough to coat, but fluid enough to drip off any excess.
Step 3: Bread the Cauliflower
Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl or dish. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s well-coated, then gently tap off any extra batter. Roll the battered florets in the panko, pressing slightly so the crumbs stick. Arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet with plenty of space between each piece.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Lightly spritz the cauliflower with nonstick cooking spray—this helps them get super gold and crispy without excess oil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the pieces halfway so they crisp up evenly. When they’re done, the coating should be crunchy and deeply golden.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While your cauliflower is baking, whip up the easy Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower sauce in a small bowl—just whisk together vegan mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and maple syrup (or agave) until smooth. Taste and adjust the sriracha depending on how spicy you want things.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the cauliflower is hot and crispy from the oven, you have a choice: gently toss it with the Bang Bang sauce for a bold, saucy finish, or arrange the cauliflower on a plate and drizzle the sauce over the top for a photogenic look with maximum crunch. Serve right away and enjoy!
How to Serve Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower
Garnishes
Don’t skip the toppings! Finish your Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower with a generous shower of sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh burst of color and flavor—these touches not only elevate the taste but give your plate that irresistible restaurant-style appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs like a dream with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or fluffy quinoa to soak up every bit of sauce. It’s also fantastic wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter meal, or tucked into tortillas for a playful plant-based taco night. Add a side of cucumber salad or pickled veggies for refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, thread smaller florets onto skewers for easy sharing. Or, pile the Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower high in a big bowl surrounded by raw veggies for dipping. You can even stuff leftovers into wraps, grain bowls, or bento boxes for an eye-catching (and envy-inducing) lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower left, allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and cauliflower separate, if possible, to preserve that coveted crispiness.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded, baked cauliflower bites before tossing them in sauce. Arrange cooled florets on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and saucing just before serving.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy magic, reheat leftover Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower in a hot oven or air fryer (400°F for about 5-8 minutes) until heated through and crunchy. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The results will be just as delicious and crispy.
Is there a substitute for vegan mayonnaise?
If you don’t have vegan mayo on hand, you can use plain unsweetened vegan yogurt or blended silken tofu for a creamy base. Adjust the seasoning to taste for the perfect sauce consistency.
What is the best plant-based milk to use?
Any unsweetened, neutral plant-based milk works beautifully—soy, almond, and oat milks are all great choices. Just be sure to avoid sweetened or flavored varieties to keep the batter savory.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The spice level is pretty customizable! Using one tablespoon of sriracha gives it a moderate heat, but you can dial it up or down according to your personal preference. Taste the sauce as you mix for your ideal kick.
Can I cook Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower in an air fryer?
Yes! For extra convenience and even crispier bites, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through. It’s a great way to enjoy this dish with even less oil and time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving big flavor and a little kitchen excitement, you simply have to try making Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower. It’s fun, satisfying, and sure to convert anyone into a veggie lover—give it a whirl and watch how fast it disappears from the table!
Print
Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy the crispy and flavorful vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower, a delicious Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or main course. Coated in a spicy and sweet sauce, these baked cauliflower bites are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- nonstick cooking spray
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat each cauliflower floret in the batter, then roll in panko breadcrumbs. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together vegan mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and maple syrup in a bowl.
- Toss in Sauce: Once the cauliflower is baked, toss it in the bang bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over before serving.
Notes
- For an air fryer version, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve with rice or lettuce wraps for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
