Bang Bang Cauliflower Bites are a delicious and crispy appetizer or snack, coated in a flavorful batter and tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. This dish is a vegetarian twist on the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, offering the same bold flavors with a healthier, plant-based alternative. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these bites are ideal for parties, game nights, or simply as a satisfying snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful – The combination of a crunchy coating and the tangy, spicy sauce makes this dish irresistible.
- Healthier Alternative – Baked or air-fried cauliflower provides a nutritious, lower-calorie option compared to deep-fried alternatives.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all cooking levels.
- Great for Entertaining – These bites are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving at gatherings.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level or experiment with different dipping sauces to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cauliflower florets
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Milk (or plant-based alternative)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Honey or maple syrup
- Lime juice
- Green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Cauliflower – Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and set aside.
- Make the Batter – In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually add milk until a smooth batter forms.
- Coat the Cauliflower – Dip each floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake or Air Fry – Arrange the coated florets on a lined baking sheet or in an air fryer basket. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Sauce – In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey or maple syrup, and lime juice.
- Toss and Serve – Coat the crispy cauliflower bites with the sauce, garnish with green onions, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicier Version – Increase the sriracha or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-Free Alternative – Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and use vegan mayonnaise.
- Extra Crunchy Texture – Double-coat the cauliflower by dipping it in the batter twice before rolling in breadcrumbs.
- Alternative Sauces – Try tossing the bites in buffalo sauce, teriyaki glaze, or garlic parmesan sauce for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze these bites, as the texture may become mushy after thawing.
FAQs
How spicy are Bang Bang Cauliflower Bites?
The spice level is moderate, but you can adjust it by adding more or less sriracha in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the cauliflower and sauce separately, but for the best texture, bake or air fry the bites just before serving.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Cauliflower Bites?
They pair well with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or extra dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh cauliflower is recommended for the best texture, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat it dry before coating.
How do I make these bites crispier?
Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs and baking them at a high temperature helps achieve extra crispiness.
Can I air fry instead of baking?
Yes, air frying at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes results in a crispy texture similar to deep-frying.
What other vegetables can I use for this recipe?
Broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms can be used as an alternative to cauliflower.
Is this recipe vegan?
It can be made vegan by using plant-based milk and vegan mayo.
What type of flour works best?
All-purpose flour works well, but you can use chickpea flour or a gluten-free blend as alternatives.
Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Yes, reduce or omit the honey/maple syrup to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Cauliflower Bites are a delicious, crispy, and flavorful snack that brings a spicy kick to your table. Whether baked or air-fried, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried appetizers without sacrificing taste. Easy to customize and perfect for entertaining, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a satisfying, plant-based treat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy Bang Bang Cauliflower Bites are coated in a crunchy panko crust and tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. The perfect appetizer or snack, they’re packed with flavor and easy to make!
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
- Dip cauliflower florets into buttermilk, then coat with flour mixture.
- Roll in panko breadcrumbs and press gently to coat.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry cauliflower until golden brown.
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Toss fried cauliflower in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes instead of frying for a healthier version.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
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