If you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and downright addictive, this Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes humble cauliflower florets and transforms them into golden bites of saucy, crunchy goodness with a perfect balance of sweet heat. Whether you’re looking for a fantastic appetizer or a satisfying vegetarian main, this recipe brings the fun and flavor every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about this Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, but how crucial each one is to achieving that incredible texture and flavor. From the silky batter coating to the creamy, spicy sauce, every component plays a starring role in making this dish unforgettable.
- Cauliflower florets: Fresh and cut into bite-sized pieces, they provide the perfect base that crisps beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the batter’s backbone, adding structure and helping create that crispy crust.
- Cornstarch: The secret to extra crunch, giving the batter a light, crisp finish.
- Water: Blends the dry ingredients into a smooth batter for an even coating.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle but irresistible savory note throughout.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning that brings everything to life.
- Olive oil (optional): Enhances crispiness if you choose to include it in the batter.
- Cooking spray: Helps bake the cauliflower evenly and prevents sticking if you’re opting for the oven method.
- Mayonnaise (or vegan mayo): The creamy base of the bang bang sauce, lending richness and smoothness.
- Sweet chili sauce: Offers sweetness with a mild kick, balancing the heat beautifully.
- Sriracha: Brings bold spiciness; you can adjust this amount to suit your taste buds.
- Honey or maple syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that complements the sauce perfectly.
How to Make Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the batter
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, water, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil (if using) in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, evenly mixed batter. The batter consistency should be just right to cling to the cauliflower without dripping endlessly.
Step 2: Coat the cauliflower florets
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting any excess drip off before placing it on a greased baking sheet or in your air fryer basket. This careful coating will ensure every bite is packed with crispy goodness.
Step 3: Cook until crispy
If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the florets for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to get even crispiness on all sides. For an air fryer, set it to 400°F (200°C) and air fry the florets for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. The end result should be a beautiful golden crunch.
Step 4: Make the signature bang bang sauce
While the cauliflower is cooking, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (or maple syrup) in a small bowl. Stir until everything is combined into a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that will coat your crispy cauliflower perfectly.
Step 5: Toss and serve
Once the cauliflower is out of the oven or air fryer and still warm, gently toss the florets in the bang bang sauce to coat each piece evenly. Don’t be shy here; coverage is the magic that makes this Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your dish by sprinkling chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top. These little touches add fresh pops of color and extra layers of flavor and texture, making the presentation as exciting as the taste.
Side Dishes
This Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple side of steamed jasmine rice or a refreshing cucumber salad. The lightness of these sides balances the richness and spice, giving you a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cauliflower bites stacked on a platter with additional bang bang sauce drizzled on top and plenty of napkins nearby. Or try placing them in lettuce wraps for a fresh handheld snack that’s perfect for sharing at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover bang bang cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cauliflower and sauce separate if you want to preserve the crispiness of the florets.
Freezing
While you can freeze the batter-coated but uncooked florets, the sauce is best fresh. To freeze, spread the coated cauliflower on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen when ready.
Reheating
Reheat the cauliflower in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or use an air fryer to restore that crispy texture. Add fresh bang bang sauce after reheating for maximum flavor sensation.
FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of honey, and you’ll have an equally delicious vegan-friendly version of this dish.
Is it better to bake or air fry the cauliflower?
Both methods work great! Air frying typically yields a crispier texture faster, but baking is a wonderful option if you don’t have an air fryer.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Yes! Feel free to adjust the sriracha amount to your liking. You can always add more for an extra kick or tone it down if you prefer milder heat.
What can I use instead of sweet chili sauce?
If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, try a mix of honey and a little rice vinegar or a mild chili garlic sauce as a substitute for that sweet, tangy flavor.
How do I keep the cauliflower crispy after tossing in sauce?
The key is to toss the cauliflower in the sauce just before serving and avoid letting it sit for too long. This way, each bite stays deliciously crispy and coated.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe is one of those gems you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor that surprises and delights with every bite. Don’t hesitate to try making it your own, and trust me, once you do, it’ll become an instant favorite for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Print
Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bang Bang Cauliflower is a crispy, flavorful appetizer featuring tender cauliflower florets coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a spicy, sweet, and creamy bang bang sauce. This dish is a perfect vegetarian alternative to the classic Bang Bang shrimp, ideal for a snack, appetizer, or party treat. It can be baked or air fried for a healthier twist without sacrificing texture or taste.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Batter
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for crispiness)
- Cooking spray (if baking)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or air fryer: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking, or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a hot cooking environment for crispy cauliflower.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, water, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until you achieve a smooth batter with no lumps.
- Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Arrange the coated florets on a greased baking sheet or place them in the air fryer basket. If baking, lightly spray the cauliflower with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook the cauliflower: Bake the florets in the oven for 25–30 minutes or air fry for 15–18 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The cauliflower should be golden and crispy when done.
- Make the bang bang sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (or maple syrup) in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the cauliflower in sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked and crispy, transfer it to a large bowl and gently toss with the bang bang sauce until each floret is well coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra color and crunch.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the spiciness to your preference.
- If baking, using cooking spray helps achieve a crispier texture similar to frying.
- You can double the sauce recipe if you prefer extra coating or leftovers.
- This recipe can be adapted for air fryer or oven depending on your available equipment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (baking) or 15 minutes (air frying)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
