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This crispy baked bang bang cauliflower transforms an ordinary vegetable into an addictive treat that even skeptical vegetable eaters will devour. The crispy panko exterior gives way to tender cauliflower inside, all coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that leaves you reaching for more.
My family initially wrinkled their noses at the idea of cauliflower as a main dish, but this recipe converted them instantly. Now it's requested weekly as our meatless Monday star.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower: the perfect blank canvas for bold flavors and holds its texture beautifully when baked
- Flour and cornstarch: create the essential binding base for your coating
- Milk: helps create the perfect batter consistency for maximum crispiness
- Baking powder: creates extra lightness in the coating
- Garlic and onion powder: add depth without overwhelming the dish
- Paprika: brings gentle warmth and beautiful color to the final dish
- Panko breadcrumbs: deliver exceptional crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs
- Mayonnaise: creates the creamy base for your bang bang sauce
- Sweet chili sauce: brings the perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat
- Sriracha: adds customizable spice and vibrant color to your sauce
- Rice vinegar: optional but adds brightness that cuts through the richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat to 200°C and prepare your baking sheet with parchment. This high temperature ensures the cauliflower gets crispy without burning, while the parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Create The Batter:
- Combine your dry ingredients first flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and all seasonings in a large bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any lumps. Pour in milk gradually while whisking until you achieve a smooth, slightly thick batter that will cling to the cauliflower but not be too runny.
- Coat The Cauliflower:
- Add cauliflower florets to the batter, using tongs or your hands to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Then add panko breadcrumbs and toss gently to adhere to all sides. Arrange carefully on your baking sheet with space between pieces to allow air circulation.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Place in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking. Look for a golden brown color and crisp exterior. The cauliflower should be tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce:
- While the cauliflower bakes, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Taste and adjust the sriracha for your preferred heat level. The sauce should be creamy but pourable.
- Coat And Serve:
- Transfer the hot baked cauliflower to a large mixing bowl and pour the sauce over it. Gently toss or fold until each piece is evenly coated. Serve immediately while still hot, garnished with fresh chives and sesame seeds for extra visual appeal and flavor.
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The sriracha in this recipe completely transformed my relationship with cauliflower. I used to find it bland, but this perfect balance of heat and sweet made me a convert. My husband now requests this instead of chicken wings on game days.
Sauce Variations
The classic bang bang sauce creates the perfect balance of creamy, sweet and spicy flavors, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. For a milder version that kids will enjoy, reduce the sriracha by half and increase the sweet chili sauce. If you prefer extra heat, add a teaspoon of gochujang paste or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a tangier profile, increase the rice vinegar or add a squeeze of lime juice which brightens the overall flavor profile wonderfully.
Make Ahead Tips
While this cauliflower is best enjoyed immediately after coating with sauce, you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. The dry flour mixture can be combined and stored in an airtight container for up to a month. The bang bang sauce can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. If you need to prepare the cauliflower ahead of serving, bake the florets and store them uncoated in the refrigerator, then reheat at 180°C for 5 minutes before tossing with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Turn this versatile dish into a complete meal with thoughtful accompaniments. Serve over steamed jasmine rice with fresh cucumber slices for a satisfying main course. For an Asian inspired bowl, pair with quinoa, sliced avocado, and edamame. The cauliflower also makes an excellent filling for tacos topped with crunchy slaw and fresh cilantro. For entertaining, arrange on a platter surrounded by other finger foods like vegetable spring rolls or dumplings for an impressive spread that will disappear quickly.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond being delicious, this baked cauliflower offers impressive nutritional advantages over traditional fried appetizers. Cauliflower provides significant vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber while being low in calories. The baking method reduces fat significantly compared to frying, while still delivering satisfying crunch. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise in the sauce, increasing protein content while reducing calories. The combination of protein from the batter and fiber from the cauliflower makes this a surprisingly filling dish that helps satisfy hunger.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the cauliflower crispy?
To achieve a crispy texture, ensure the cauliflower is evenly coated with panko breadcrumbs and baked in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- → What is bang bang sauce made of?
Bang bang sauce is a mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and sometimes a splash of rice vinegar for added tanginess.
- → Can I use frozen cauliflower?
While fresh cauliflower works best, you can use frozen florets. Be sure to thaw and pat them dry before coating to prevent excess moisture.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
- → Can I make this dish milder?
Yes, reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce or replace it with a milder hot sauce to adjust the spice level.