Description
Delicious and crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings that are vegan, spicy, and perfect as a game day appetizer. These wings are coated in a flavorful batter, baked to perfection, and tossed in a tangy vinegar-based hot sauce balanced with a touch of maple syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Batter
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 3/4 cup flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 cup unsweetened vegan milk (any kind)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Baking Sauce
- 1/2 cup vinegar based hot sauce (such as Franks hot sauce)
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
Serving
- Cooling Ranch Dip (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- Make Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gradually add the vegan milk and stir until the batter is smooth and thick enough to coat the cauliflower.
- Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is completely coated, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs to give it a crispy texture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated cauliflower wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out and not touching to allow for crispiness.
- Bake the Wings: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 27 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the vinegar-based hot sauce, garlic powder, and maple syrup until well combined and heated through.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Remove the baked cauliflower from the oven, then gently toss the crispy wings in the prepared buffalo sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a cooling ranch dip or your preferred vegan dip to balance the heat.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs and ensure the cauliflower florets are dry before battering.
- If using a large cauliflower head, double the batter and sauce quantities to ensure proper coating.
- The maple syrup balances the heat and acidity in the sauce; adjust it to taste for desired sweetness.
- This recipe works well as a vegan appetizer for game day or casual gatherings.
- Serve with celery sticks and vegan ranch dressing for a classic Buffalo wing experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wing
- Calories: 35 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 157 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
