Description
Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower is a crispy, spicy, and flavorful dish perfect as a snack, appetizer, or vegetarian side. Coated in a crunchy panko crust and tossed in a creamy, zesty bang bang sauce, this recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional fried options and appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head Cauliflower, cut and washed
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 3/4 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1 1/4 cup Panko
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1/4 cup Sriracha
- 1 tsp Rice Vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually whisk in milk to form a smooth batter.
- Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until well coated.
- Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the cauliflower and toss again to coat evenly.
- Arrange cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes until golden and crispy.
- While baking, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a bowl to make the sauce.
- Once baked, toss the hot cauliflower in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chives if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure crispiness.
- You can marinate the cauliflower in batter for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- Use vegan mayo and plant-based milk for a vegan version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Can freeze raw, coated cauliflower for later baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower, Crispy Cauliflower Bites, Spicy Cauliflower Snack, Vegetarian Appetizer, Oven Roasted Cauliflower