Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe

Bang Bang Cauliflower is a delicious and healthier take on the classic Bang Bang Shrimp, featuring crispy cauliflower bites tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course for those looking for a vegetarian option. The combination of crispy cauliflower with the sweet and spicy sauce makes it irresistible for any occasion. Let’s dive into a detailed recipe for making this delicious and simple dish at home.

What is Bang Bang Cauliflower?

Bang Bang Cauliflower is inspired by the famous Bang Bang Shrimp, a dish made popular by restaurants like Bonefish Grill. The main feature of this recipe is the addictive sauce, which is a mix of sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and sriracha for a creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor. Instead of shrimp, this recipe uses cauliflower florets, making it a perfect plant-based alternative that still offers the same satisfying crunch and flavor.

How to Make Bang Bang Cauliflower

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Wash and Cut the Cauliflower: Start by washing the cauliflower thoroughly. Break the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Try to keep the sizes even so they cook at the same rate.
2. Dry the Cauliflower: Pat the cauliflower florets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the batter stick better.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add Buttermilk: Gradually whisk the buttermilk into the dry ingredients to create a smooth, thick batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower without running off completely.

Step 3: Coat and Fry the Cauliflower

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep-frying pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it; the batter should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
2. Dip the Cauliflower in Batter: Using tongs or your hands, dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated.
3. Fry the Cauliflower: Carefully place the battered cauliflower into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain the Cauliflower: Once cooked, use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried cauliflower to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Keep Warm (Optional): If you’re frying multiple batches, you can place the fried cauliflower on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven to keep them warm and crispy.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Whisk the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or spiciness according to your preference. If you want more heat, add more sriracha; if you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more honey.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

1. Toss the Cauliflower in Sauce: Place the fried cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top and gently toss the cauliflower to coat it evenly with the sauce.
2. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Bang Bang Cauliflower to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Cauliflower is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve Bang Bang Cauliflower as a party appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
• In Tacos: Place the sauced cauliflower in soft tortillas and top with slaw for a delicious vegetarian taco.
• Over Rice: Serve the Bang Bang Cauliflower over steamed white rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
• As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats or seafood for a delightful side dish.

Tips for Making the Best Bang Bang Cauliflower

1. Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent: Maintaining the right oil temperature (350°F) is key to getting crispy cauliflower. If the oil is too hot, the cauliflower will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cold, the cauliflower will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the cauliflower in small batches to ensure each piece cooks evenly and crisps up properly.
3. Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower florets are best for this recipe. Frozen cauliflower may retain too much moisture and won’t become as crispy.
4. Adjust the Heat in the Sauce: Bang Bang Cauliflower is traditionally spicy, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or skip it altogether.
5. Try Air-Frying or Baking: For a healthier alternative, you can air-fry or bake the cauliflower instead of deep-frying. To bake, spread the battered cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. To air-fry, cook the cauliflower at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbattering the Cauliflower: Be careful not to overcoat the cauliflower with too much batter, as this can result in a heavy, doughy texture. Lightly coat each piece for the best crispy results.
2. Not Drying the Cauliflower: Make sure the cauliflower florets are as dry as possible before battering them. Excess moisture will prevent the batter from sticking and can lead to soggy cauliflower.
3. Undersaucing the Cauliflower: Make sure the cauliflower is fully coated in the sauce. The sauce is what gives the dish its signature flavor, so don’t be shy with it!
4. Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, causing the cauliflower to absorb too much oil and become greasy. Fry in batches for best results.

Variations of Bang Bang Cauliflower

1. Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower: For a lighter version, bake the cauliflower instead of frying. The result is still crispy but with less oil.
2. Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower: Air frying is another great alternative to deep-frying. It creates a crispy texture with minimal oil.
3. Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based version and use agave syrup instead of honey.
4. Gluten-Free Bang Bang Cauliflower: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and cornstarch in the batter, as well as gluten-free soy sauce in the sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cauliflower and sauce separate if possible to maintain the crispiness of the cauliflower.

Reheating: To reheat the cauliflower, place it in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Toss with sauce just before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Bang Bang Cauliflower as a crispy, flavorful appetizer or side dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Yield: 4

Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe

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Bang Bang Cauliflower is a delicious and healthier take on the classic Bang Bang Shrimp, featuring crispy cauliflower bites tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course for those looking for a vegetarian option. The combination of crispy cauliflower with the sweet and spicy sauce makes it irresistible for any occasion. Let’s dive into a detailed recipe for making this delicious and simple dish at home.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Cauliflower:
• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
• For Garnish:
• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly with oil.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Dip each cauliflower floret into the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
• Dip the floured cauliflower into the beaten eggs, and then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs.

3. Bake the Cauliflower:

• Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.

4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

• While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using) in a small bowl.

5. Toss or Drizzle:

• Once the cauliflower is done, remove it from the oven. You can either drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the cauliflower or toss the cauliflower in the sauce to coat it completely.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve immediately as an appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Air Fryer Option: You can cook the cauliflower in an air fryer at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your spice preference. Add more for extra heat!
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.