Description
Bang Bang Cauliflower is a crispy, spicy, and creamy appetizer or side dish made with battered cauliflower florets tossed in a tangy, sweet chili and sriracha mayo sauce. A vegetarian take on the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, it’s bold, addictive, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- For the 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 oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, water, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil (if using) until smooth.
- Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, and place them on a greased baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or air fry for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
- While the cauliflower cooks, mix together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Once cauliflower is crispy, remove from oven or air fryer and toss gently in the Bang Bang sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- To make it vegan, use vegan mayo and maple syrup.
- For extra crispiness, broil the coated cauliflower for 1–2 minutes after tossing in the sauce.
- You can double the sauce if you like it extra saucy or use it as a dipping sauce instead of tossing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking or Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg