Let’s dive into the world of Bang Bang Cauliflower! It’s my take on the beloved bang bang shrimp, but this time, it’s all about crispy cauliflower coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce.
Bang Bang Cauliflower
Ingredients
**Bang Bang Sauce:**
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
**Cauliflower & Batter:**
- 1 whole head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the bang bang sauce: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sriracha, and chopped parsley. Set the sauce aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a thick batter.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Then, add the panko breadcrumbs and mix again.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the battered cauliflower florets, making sure they’re not touching.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, flip each floret over and bake for an additional 15 minutes until they turn golden and crispy.
- Once out of the oven, transfer the cauliflower to a bowl and toss them with the bang bang sauce. If you prefer extra crispy cauliflower, simply dip them into the sauce instead of tossing.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and dig in! These Bang Bang Cauliflower bites are irresistible.