Bang Bang Cauliflower

Byarlo Jack
Bang Bang Cauliflower

Bang Bang Cauliflower is a crispy, flavorful, and spicy vegetarian twist on the classic Bang Bang Chicken or Shrimp. It features crunchy cauliflower florets coated in a light batter, baked or air-fried to perfection, and tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a healthy appetizer, a meatless main course, or a snack with bold flavor, this dish delivers the perfect combination of crunch, heat, and tang.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Bang Bang Cauliflower because it’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and completely addictive. The sauce, made from a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili, and sriracha—adds the perfect punch to the crispy cauliflower. It’s a crowd-pleaser for vegetarians and meat lovers alike, and it fits perfectly into game-day menus, family dinners, or meal prep plans.

Nutritional Info

Each serving (1 cup) approximately provides:

  • Calories: 210
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fat: 11g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 360mg

Time Taken

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup water (or milk)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray

For Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp honey (optional for extra sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F or air fryer to 400°F.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a smooth batter.
  3. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Place on a lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with olive oil.
  5. Bake for 20–25 minutes or air fry for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients.
  7. Once cauliflower is cooked, toss it in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds.

You Must Know

This dish tastes best when served right after tossing with sauce, as the cauliflower stays crispy and the sauce clings beautifully. You can also serve the sauce on the side if you prefer dipping.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to regain crispiness—avoid microwaving as it softens the coating.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Flour: Use rice flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
  • Mayonnaise: Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
  • Sriracha: Use hot sauce or chili flakes if unavailable.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bang Bang Cauliflower with:

  • Steamed rice or noodles for a full meal
  • Fresh salad for a light lunch
  • As an appetizer with extra sauce for dipping

Cultural and Historical Context

Bang Bang-style dishes originated from Asian-inspired fusion cuisine, popularized by restaurants combining sweet and spicy sauces with crispy textures. While traditionally made with shrimp or chicken, this cauliflower version has become a viral vegetarian favorite for its balance of crunch, creaminess, and bold flavor.

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring and summer, serve it with fresh herbs and lime for a refreshing twist. In fall and winter, drizzle with extra honey or sprinkle sesame seeds for added warmth and richness.

Success Stories

Home cooks love this recipe for how easy and versatile it is. It’s a popular choice for vegetarians who crave something crunchy and saucy, and even meat-eaters can’t resist going back for seconds.

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can freeze uncooked, battered cauliflower (without sauce) for up to a month. Bake or air fry straight from frozen at 425°F for 25 minutes, then toss in freshly made Bang Bang sauce before serving.

Pro Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet or air fryer basket for maximum crispiness.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture.
  • For more heat, add extra sriracha or crushed chili to the sauce.

Chef’s Special Tips

To make it restaurant-style, drizzle the sauce over the cauliflower instead of tossing, and garnish with thinly sliced scallions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime. Serve it over jasmine rice or lettuce wraps for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Cauliflower is a modern classic that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying dish. It’s easy, fun to make, and perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to party platters. Try this Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe today and experience the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and crunch. Save it for your next meatless meal and share it with friends who love bold, crave-worthy flavors!

FAQs

Yes, baking works perfectly. Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the coated cauliflower on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even browning.

You can prepare the battered cauliflower ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking or air frying. However, for the crispiest texture, toss it in the sauce right before serving.

Use rice flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour and replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. The result will still be crisp and delicious.

It’s best to use fresh cauliflower for optimal texture. Frozen cauliflower tends to release water during cooking, which can make it less crispy.

Bang Bang sauce has a creamy, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor. The mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha gives it a rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced taste that complements the crispy cauliflower beautifully.