Best Bang Bang Cauliflower

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Cornstarch, gluten-free flour, maple syrup, cauliflower, lemon, vegan mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and gluten-free crackers in bowls on a grey table.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Cauliflower.

Cauliflower is high in phytonutrients which have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and help regulate inflammation. Plus, cauliflower is high in water and fiber, keeping you hydrated and regular in bowel movement. Water and fiber also make us feel full quickly, which is why these bang bang wings are so satisfying.
Gluten-free crackers are one option for the crispy breading. Pulse them in a food processor until coarsely ground. Cornflakes and panko also work for this recipe. (I used Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers, but most gluten-free crackers work.)
Gluten-free flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour made with a rice flour blend, or regular all-purpose flour.
Chili Garlic sauce: Use sambal oelek or any variety of chili garlic sauce for the bang bang sauce.
Vegan mayonnaise: The brands I use most often are Chosen Foods, Sir Kensington's, and Follow Your Heart, but any brand will do. Or use my homemade Easy Vegan Mayonnaise recipe on this site.

See recipe card for quantities.

🥦 Substitutions

Cauliflower - instead of cauliflower florets, use broccoli florets

Flour - use regular all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour made with a rice flour blend

Breadcrumbs - use panko, gluten-free panko, gluten-free crackers, or cornflakes

Chili garlic sauce - use sambal oelek or any variety of chili garlic sauce, or sriracha

For more healthy side dish options and dips, visit my Vegan Side Dish Recipes page.

📖 Instructions

Cauliflower florets on a grey cutting board with a chef's knife.

Simple Mills Gluten-Free Almond Flour Sea Slat Crackers in the canister of a food processor to make breading.

Breaded cauliflower in three rows on a white baking sheet.

Bang bang cauliflower on a white rimmed baking sheet with one floret being coated in sauce in a glass bowl.

How to Make the Best Bang Bang Cauliflower

For the breadcrumbs: If you are using gluten-free crackers or cornflakes, pulse them in a food processor until coarsely ground. Or use store-bought panko.

Make the batter: Mix the flour, cornstarch, chili garlic sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the lemon juice. Gradually add the milk until you have a smooth batter that's thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Coat florets: Transfer the florets to the batter bowl and use a silicone spatula to toss them until evenly coated. Then transfer them to the breadcrumbs, a few at a time, and toss with a clean spatula to coat evenly.

Bake: Place the florets on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until they are lightly crispy and golden brown.

Make the 3-ingredient bang bang sauce: Mix the vegan mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, and maple syrup until combined.

Toss the baked cauliflower in the sauce until evenly coated. Place them back onto the baking sheet and bake for 2 to 3 minutes more, or until the sauce just starts to gently bubble.

💡 Expert Tips

Batter: Make sure it is not to thick or it will not cook properly. It should be just thin enough to coat the back of a spoon.

For air frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF and cook for about 15 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through. Add the sauce and cook for 2 minutes more. Space out the cauliflower in the basket so they are not touching.

For baking: Place the cauliflowers on a large baking sheet so they are not touching to ensure even browning.

Storage: Refrigerate any remaining bang bang cauliflower or sauce in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

What does 'Bang Bang' Cauliflower mean?

'Bang bang' means punchy, which is an appropriate name seeing as the bang bang sauce has a punch or kick to it from the sriracha or chili garlic sauce.

Are cauliflower wings healthier than chicken wings?

Unlike chicken wings, cauliflower wings can be made cholesterol-free and are typically low in fat and saturated fat. Plus, cauliflower is packed with fiber and antioxidants.

Can I make bang bang cauliflower ahead of time?

Yes! Bake of air fry the cauliflower in the batter and refrigerate the florets in a separate container from the sauce. Coat in the sauce before serving, and either air fry or bake until warmed through and sizzling.

📖 Recipe