Bang Bang Cauliflower

$- 1 large head of cauliflower - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Smoked paprika - Cayenne pepper - Mayonnaise - Sweet chili sauce - Sriracha - Honey or maple syrup - Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish Bang Bang Cauliflower starts with a large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces. This gives you a great base. We then create a crispy batter using flour and cornstarch. These two ingredients help the cauliflower fry up nice and crunchy. Next, we add flavor with seasonings. Garlic powder and onion powder give a savory kick. Smoked paprika adds depth, while cayenne pepper brings a bit of heat. You can adjust the cayenne to make it milder or spicier. For the sauce, we mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha together. This creates a sweet and spicy flavor that's hard to resist. Honey or maple syrup balances the heat. Finally, we garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh touch. You can find the full recipe above to recreate this tasty dish at home! To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes. This step softens the cauliflower slightly. After blanching, drain the florets and let them cool. This cooling step is key for crispiness later on. Next, we will make the batter. In a mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until mixed well. Gradually add cold water and stir until the batter is smooth. It should not be too thick or too runny. Now, it's time to fry the cauliflower. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles right away, you’re good to go. Dip each cooled cauliflower floret into the batter. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Allow any extra batter to drip off before placing it in the hot oil. Fry the cauliflower in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for about 4-5 minutes, turning them occasionally. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried cauliflower to a paper towel-lined plate. This helps drain excess oil and keeps them crispy. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Enjoy the process, and soon, you'll have crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Cauliflower ready to serve! To make your cauliflower crispy, focus on the batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the florets without dripping off. If it’s too runny, add a bit more flour or cornstarch. This will help the batter cling better. Next, heat the oil properly. Use a deep pan and fill it with vegetable oil, about 1-2 inches deep. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C). To check the temperature, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles right away, you are ready to fry. Fry your cauliflower in small batches. If you crowd the pan, the oil temperature drops. This can make the cauliflower soggy. Fry each batch for 4-5 minutes until it's golden brown and crispy. You can customize the Bang Bang sauce to fit your taste. Start with the basic recipe and adjust from there. If you like it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. For extra tang, add a touch more sweet chili sauce. For spice, sriracha is the go-to choice. If you want less heat, use less sriracha. You can also try alternatives like chili garlic sauce or even a mild hot sauce. Experiment until you find the flavor that excites your taste buds. This recipe makes a great base for creativity. Feel free to play with flavors and find the perfect mix that works for you! For the complete guide, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make Bang Bang Cauliflower gluten-free. Use almond flour or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour. These flours give a nice texture. For the coating, try gluten-free breadcrumbs. They will keep the cauliflower crispy. Want a vegan version? Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo. You can use maple syrup instead of honey. This keeps the flavors without animal products. Your Bang Bang Cauliflower will still be creamy and delicious. If you love heat, add extra spices. Try more cayenne pepper or even chili powder. For the sauce, mix in some extra sriracha. You can also use hot sauce instead of sweet chili sauce. Adjust the spice to what you enjoy. These tweaks make your dish more exciting! For more detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. To keep your fried cauliflower crispy, you need to store it right. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Line the bottom with paper towels to absorb any moisture. This will help maintain that delightful crunch. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, eat it within two days. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, avoid the microwave. Microwaving can make the cauliflower soggy. Instead, try these methods: - Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm and crispy. - Air Fryer: Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Cook for about 5-7 minutes for a quick and tasty option. Both methods help keep the texture and flavor intact. Freezing Bang Bang Cauliflower is possible, but it can change the texture. If you want to freeze it, do this: 1. Let the fried cauliflower cool completely. 2. Place it in a single layer on a baking sheet. This prevents sticking. 3. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm. 4. Transfer the frozen pieces to an airtight freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. This method helps keep your cauliflower fresh. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it directly from frozen. Use the oven or air fryer for best results. Enjoy your Bang Bang Cauliflower anytime! For the complete guide, check the Full Recipe. Bang Bang Cauliflower is a spicy and crunchy dish made from cauliflower florets. You coat the florets in a light batter, then fry them until golden brown. This gives them a crispy texture. The dish gets its name from the spicy Bang Bang sauce, which combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The flavors are bold and exciting, making it a favorite for many. It is a great appetizer or snack. Yes, you can make Bang Bang Cauliflower in an air fryer! Here are the steps: 1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Follow the recipe to blanch the cauliflower. 2. Make the Batter: Create the batter as directed. 3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). 4. Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each floret into the batter. 5. Air Fry: Place the battered florets in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. They should be golden and crispy. 6. Sauce Them Up: Mix in the Bang Bang sauce as described in the recipe. Bang Bang Cauliflower pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some great ideas: - Rice: Steamed white or brown rice complements the dish well. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. - Noodles: Try serving it with Asian-style noodles for an exciting meal. - Dipping Sauces: Offer extra Bang Bang sauce, sweet chili sauce, or soy sauce on the side. Bang Bang Cauliflower lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. To store it, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. When reheating, try using an oven to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this can make it soggy. Bang Bang Cauliflower can be a healthier option compared to other fried foods. Cauliflower is low in calories and full of vitamins. However, frying adds some calories and fat. The sauce has some sugar and fat, too. If you want a healthier version, try baking or air frying instead of deep frying. You can also use less sauce or make a lighter dip. In this post, we explored the ingredients, preparation, and tips for making Bang Bang Cauliflower. You'll learn how to achieve a crispy texture and adjust flavors, ensuring it fits your taste. We also covered variations for gluten-free and vegan diets, plus storage and reheating tips. This dish is versatile, fun to make, and packed with flavor. Enjoy experimenting with your version of Bang Bang Cauliflower! Happy cooking!$

Indulge in this delicious Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe that’s sure to impress! Discover how to create crispy, golden cauliflower florets coated in a spicy and creamy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, this dish combines simple ingredients for a flavor-packed meal. Click through to explore the full recipe, including easy steps and tips for the perfect crunch! Don’t miss out on this tasty vegan treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cold water

Vegetable oil for frying

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha (or more for extra heat)

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside to cool.

Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold water until you have a smooth batter.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s well coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before gently placing the floret into the hot oil.

Fry the Cauliflower: Fry the cauliflower in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried cauliflower to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey or maple syrup. Adjust the sriracha amount for your desired spice level.

Coat the Cauliflower Again: In a large bowl, add the crispy cauliflower and drizzle it with a generous amount of the Bang Bang sauce. Toss gently to coat all the florets evenly.

Serve: Transfer the coated cauliflower to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4