Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower

Cauliflower has never tasted better! This baked bang bang cauliflower is crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive, make a healthier twist on a takeout favorite! Coated in a crunchy panko crust and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, this recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, snack, or game-day treat. Learn how to make this easy, crowd-pleasing dish at home!

Bang Bang Cauliflower is a sweet and spicy appetizer that is completely irresistible! The cauliflower is bite-sized pieces, battered in one bowl, then baked until crispy. Drizzle with bang bang sauce and it’s ready to serve.

Why you need to make this recipe

If you’ve never had Bang Bang Cauliflower, get ready for a game-changer. Imagine crispy, golden cauliflower bites coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce—sounds irresistible, right? And the best part? This version is baked, not fried, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing crunch or flavor. You need more reason why you need to make this recipe? I tell you with pleasure;

• Versatile – it can be the perfect appetizer or a delicious side dish in a main course.
• Healthier than Fried – Baking keeps it light without compromising on crispiness.
• Super Flavorful – The Bang Bang sauce is a delicious mix of creamy, spicy, and sweet.
• Easy & Quick – Simple ingredients and minimal effort for maximum taste. All you have to do is prepare the easy batter, place cauliflower florets in it, bake them, and coat them with the sauce! Easy, right?
• Perfect for Everyone – A crowd-pleasing snack that’s vegetarian and can be made vegan or gluten-free!
• Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is entirely plant-based, making it a great option for everyone at the table. Make everyone LOVE cauliflower – if you already do, you’ll be absolutely thrilled by this delicious recipe!
• Crispy Perfection: Each cauliflower floret is oven-baked to achieve that supreme crunch, without the need for deep frying.

This dish is perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a meatless main. Whether you’re a long-time cauliflower lover or just looking for a way to jazz up your veggies, this baked bang bang cauliflower is bound to be a favorite. Let’s get into it!

Ingredients of Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower

• medium head Cauliflower cut and washed; Cauliflower is the star of this dish!  is high in phytonutrients, which have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and help regulate inflammation. When baked, it becomes tender inside while holding onto that crispy, crunchy coating on the outside. Its mild flavor makes it the perfect canvas for bold seasonings and the bang bang sauce. For substitution, use broccoli florets, and mushrooms are fine
• Flour; Flour helps create the base for the batter, allowing the seasonings and liquid ingredients to stick to the cauliflower. You can use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or almond flour. Here I use all-purpose flour
• Cornstarch; the secret to a light, crispy texture
• Milk; to thin out the batter and help coat the cauliflower evenly
• Baking Powder; adds a slight lift to the batter, making the coating crispier and less dense when baked.
• Seasoning; Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Freshly Ground Black Pepper; I think this is essential seasoning you need to add to every baked dish, adjust with your preference, always!
• Panko breadcrumbs; the key to achieving that ultra-crispy texture. They are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, giving the cauliflower a perfect crunch when baked

Bang bang sauce

Bang bang sauce is a delicious and popular condiment by the American restaurant Bonefish Grill and its Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer. The sweet and spicy sauce is usually served with various Asian street foods.

It’s perfect for dipping or drizzling on fried delicacies such as chicken, seafood, and vegetables. Bang bang sauce is made with a simple mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and agave. Just place all ingredients in a bowl and whisk. here’s the ingredients;

• Mayonnaise; provides a creamy, rich base for the bang bang sauce. It balances out the heat from the sriracha and helps the sauce cling to the cauliflower. Just a little gives it that richness even if you use lighter yogurt. Feel free to substitute with more yogurt if you prefer.
• Sweet Chili Sauce; brings a perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat, giving the sauce its signature flavor. It is sweet with a hint of spice, versus a spicy chili pepper sauce like sambal oelek.
• Sriracha; delivers a bold, spicy kick to the sauce. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your dish.
• Rice Vinegar optional; adds a slight tanginess to brighten up the sauce. It cuts through the richness of the mayo and enhances the overall flavor.

How to Make Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower

First thing first, preheat oven to 200℃ and line a baking sheet with baking paper. This ensures your cauliflower crisps up nicely without sticking.

Next, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl until well combined. Pour milk into the bowl, then mix well with a whisk. If the batter is too thick, thin it out with more milk.

Now coat the cauliflower, add the cauliflower into the bowl and toss it until the cauliflower is well coated. Add panko and toss again until coated. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Then, dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting the excess drip off, then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs.

Then, place the battered cauliflower on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20-22 minutes.

While baking the cauliflower, make the bang bang sauce. In a medium bowl, combine all the bang bang sauce ingredients and mix well.

Remove from the oven, then place it in the mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over it and toss until coated. Finally, transfer to the serving plate and garnish it with chives and white and black sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve it as an appetizer, arrange the cauliflower on a platter with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, then add extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Otherwise, you can serve it as a main dish over rice, in a wrap or taco with shredded lettuce and avocado. Also, with a side of coleslaw or a fresh salad for contrast. Feel free to enjoy your baked bang bang cauliflower!

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