How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower – Easy Recipe

You know that feeling when you crave something crispy, spicy, and a little indulgent but still want to keep things plant-based? That’s precisely what led me to create this vegan bang bang cauliflower recipe. It’s one of those dishes that I whip up when I want something that feels a little fancy but is actually super simple to make.

Whether you’re a seasoned cauliflower lover or just dipping your toes into plant-based eating, this recipe is bound to become one of your go-to favorites. It’s got that perfect balance of crunch and bold flavor, with a creamy sauce that’s downright addictive. Let me show you how easy it is to make this delicious snack—you’re going to love it!

Ingredients for Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Before we dive in, let’s get everything ready. I always find it helpful to have all my ingredients prepped beforehand—it makes the whole process so much smoother.

Cauliflower

Grab a medium head and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and eating. Trust me, cauliflower is like a blank canvas, ready to soak up all those amazing flavors.

Bang Bang Sauce

This is the secret ingredient that brings all the flavor to life! You’ll need vegan mayo, Sriracha, garlic powder, and maple syrup. It’s creamy, spicy, and a little sweet—basically everything you want in a sauce.

Batter Ingredients

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup water

The batter gives the cauliflower that light, crispy coating. I love using rice flour because it keeps things airy and crunchy.

Optional Garnishes

I like to finish things off with some chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro—they add a nice pop of color and extra flavor.

Pro Tip:

If you’re cooking for someone who needs to eat gluten-free, double-check the labels on your rice flour and cornstarch. It’s an easy way to ensure everyone can enjoy this dish without any worries.

How to Prepare the Cauliflower

Okay, now for the fun part—let’s get cooking!

1. Cut the Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower and pat it dry. Then, cut it into small, even florets. Keeping them roughly the same size helps them cook evenly, so you don’t end up with some pieces that are too crunchy and others that are too soft.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the rice flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and water. The batter should be smooth and thick enough to coat the florets without dripping everywhere.
3. Coat the Cauliflower: Here’s where things get a little messy—but in a good way! Coat each cauliflower piece in the batter, ensuring it’s fully covered. Gently shake off any extra batter, then arrange the florets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Choose Your Cooking Method: Using an air fryer? Preheat it to 400°F, and you’re all set! Cook the cauliflower in a single layer for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you that perfect crispy texture without a ton of oil.

• Oven: No air fryer? No problem! Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread the florets out on a baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning them once halfway through.

Both methods work great, but if you’re after maximum crunch, I’d recommend the air fryer.

How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Sauce

Now let’s talk about the sauce—because honestly, it’s what makes this dish so irresistible. I could probably eat it with a spoon (no judgment, right?).

1. Mix the Base: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup vegan mayo with 2-3 tablespoons of Sriracha. The mayo makes it creamy, and the Sriracha brings the heat.
2. Add Flavor: Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. The garlic gives it depth, and the maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness that balances everything out.
3. Adjust to Taste: If you like your sauce spicier, add more Sriracha. If you prefer it sweeter, a little extra maple syrup will do the trick. This sauce is super customizable, so don’t be afraid to play around with the flavors.
4. Chill the Sauce: Put the sauce in the fridge while the cauliflower finishes cooking. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together—and trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Cooking Methods – Air Fryer vs. Baking

I’ve tried both air frying and baking for this recipe, and honestly, you can’t go wrong either way. Here’s what I’ve found:

Air Fryer Method

• Pros: Super crispy, quick, and uses minimal oil.
• Cons: If you’re cooking for a crowd, you should do a couple of batches.

Baking Method

• Pros: Great for larger batches, and you don’t need any special equipment.
• The cons: It takes a little longer, and while it’s still delicious, it might not be quite as crispy as the air-fried version.

Tips for Perfect Crispiness

• Don’t overcrowd the tray or air fryer basket. Giving the cauliflower room to breathe helps it crisp up properly.
• A light spray of oil before cooking can make a big difference in getting that golden, crunchy exterior.

Serving and Storing Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

1. Serving Suggestions: Once your cauliflower is done, drizzle it generously with the bang bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. I love adding a sprinkle of green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro on top—it makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
2. Pairing Ideas:
   • Serve it as an appetizer with a fresh green salad.
   • Serve it with rice or noodles to turn it into a hearty, satisfying meal!
   • Use it as a taco filling—seriously, it’s a game-changer!
3. Storage Tips: If you somehow manage to have leftovers (rare, but it happens), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to avoid sogginess.
4. Reheating Instructions: To restore that crispiness, reheat the cauliflower in the air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes.

FAQ Section For Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

1. Is Bang Bang sauce vegan?

Traditional bang bang sauce usually isn’t vegan because it contains regular mayo, but this version uses vegan mayo, so it’s totally plant-based.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure your rice flour and cornstarch are gluten-free.

3. How do I keep the cauliflower crispy?

Serve it right away, and avoid covering it tightly. If you need to reheat it, use an air fryer or oven to restore that crispiness.

4. Can I freeze vegan bang bang cauliflower?

While fresh is best, you can freeze the cooked cauliflower and reheat it in an air fryer or oven to restore some of the crunch.

Ready to get cooking? Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it on repeat. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your bang-bang cauliflower creations with me!

Conclusion For Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

So there you have it—my favorite vegan bang bang cauliflower recipe. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress, whether I’m making it for a party or just a lazy afternoon snack. The combination of crispy cauliflower and that creamy, spicy sauce is pure magic.

I hope you give this recipe a try! If you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add your twist? Maybe try a different garnish? Drop a comment below and share your experience—I can’t wait to hear from you!