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A plant-based spin on a classic: Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings you’ll crave.
Sizzling Secrets: Mastering Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
The Rise of Cauliflower Wings
The transformation of cauliflower into a staple of vegan cuisine marks a significant evolution in plant-based eating. This fiber-rich vegetable has carved its niche not only for its nutritional prowess but also for its adaptability in recipes, especially in the crafting of vegan buffalo wings. Cauliflower’s ability to take on the robust flavors and satisfying texture of chicken wings has endeared it to a broad audience. Once chefs unlocked this potential, cauliflower wings swiftly ascended as a beloved highlight across menus, appealing to vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredient Breakdown
Key components like gluten-free flour ensure crispy wings without gluten, allowing a broader range of people to savor them. Garlic and onion powders bring a depth of flavor, essential for creating a taste profile reminiscent of classic wings. Paprika and cumin lend a smoky undercurrent, crucial for that authentic buffalo wing essence. Cashew milk offers a creamy base for the batter, enhancing the dish’s overall richness and making it a dairy-free delight. The homemade sauce, with its blend of white vinegar, tomato paste, and spices, coats each cauliflower piece in a tangy and spicy cascade, crucial for achieving that signature buffalo wing zing. Sea salt and cayenne pepper fine-tune the flavor balance, adding just the right amount of heat and seasoning. Together, these ingredients transform simple cauliflower into a mouthwatering, plant-based appetizer, rich in nutrients and free from dairy, showcasing the incredible versatility of vegan cooking.
Preparation and Cooking Steps
Begin by lining a baking tray with parchment paper and preheating the oven to 230°C (450°F). Clean the cauliflower thoroughly, then cut it into bite-sized florets. Combine gluten-free flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, coarse white sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a different bowl. Stir in unsweetened cashew milk to create a smooth batter. Coat each cauliflower piece evenly in this mixture. Arrange the battered cauliflower on the prepared tray, ensuring they don’t touch. Bake for 20 minutes, turning once at the halfway mark. Concurrently, prepare the sauce by mixing water, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, sea salt, and tomato paste in a saucepan. Simmer for approximately 3–5 minutes. Upon finishing the initial bake, brush each cauliflower piece generously with the homemade sauce then return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, flipping once more for even crispness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
For an unforgettable feast, lay these vegan cauliflower buffalo wings atop a bed of crispy lettuce. Pair them with various dips, from classic ranch to adventurous avocado cilantro, catering to all taste preferences. Encourage guests to embark on a culinary adventure by experimenting with different spices in the batter. Whether seeking a hint of extra heat or sweetness, these wings can be tailored to satisfy any palate, ensuring a delightfully inclusive dining experience for those following dairy-free or plant-based diets.
Embrace Making Vegan Wings Together
Dive into creating these dairy-free delights; share and delight in their wholesome goodness.
Get ready for a taste explosion with these awesome cauliflower buffalo wings! These little bites are just a tad spicy, with a lot of flavorful, and downright delicious. It’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, so the ultimate game day snack and party platter superstar! And here’s the best part, wait for it: they’re not just vegan, but also gluten-free and oil-free! It’s a party in your mouth without the guilt!
PrintVegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings depending on size 1x
Description
Satisfy your snack cravings guilt-free with these fiery cauliflower bites.
Ingredients
- 1 small cauliflower cut into small bite-sized florets.
- 1/2 cup gluten-free flour (feel free to use regular flour if you’re OK with gluten)
- 1 tsp (heaped) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (heaped) onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp coarse white sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cashew milk
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp (heaped) garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp (2 ml) sea salt
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
Instructions
Prep the Cauliflower
- Get your oven ready! Line a baking tray with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F).
- Wash and clean the cauliflower until it’s fresh and ready.
- Cut it up into bite-sized pieces and pop them into a big bowl.
Make the Batter
- In another bowl, mix flour with all your favorite seasonings until they’re combined.
- Add in some milk and stir it up to make a nice, thick batter.
- Pour the batter over the cauliflower and give it a good mix so every piece is completely coated.
Bake the Cauliflower Wings
- Place each coated cauliflower piece on the lined baking tray in a single layer, giving them space to cook evenly.
- The space between each piece helps them get crispier, so keep them separate!
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway (after 10 minutes) so both sides get golden and crispy.
Make the Sauce
While the cauliflower is baking, it’s sauce time!
- Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and whisk them together.
- Simmer over medium heat for about 3–5 minutes until it’s thick and ready to go.
Coat and Bake Again
- When the cauliflower is done baking, take it out and coat each piece in sauce. Use a kitchen brush or silicone brush to slather each piece generously.
- Put the tray back in the oven for another 10–15 minutes.
- Flip the pieces halfway (around 5–7 minutes in) so they get perfectly saucy and cooked through.
Ranch Dipping Sauce
Serve with your favorite ranch sauce! You can make your own or pick up a store-bought one, either way, it’ll be delicious!
Notes
Created, Prepared, tried, and tested by Esme Slabs from SA Tasty Recipes – Saffas Daily Recipes and EsmeSalon Homemade Recipes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 68
- Sugar: 2.3 g
- Sodium: 336 mg
- Fat: 0.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13.8 g
- Fiber: 2.4 g
- Protein: 2.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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These sound yummy!
I am not a spicy/hot flavor person but love these. Hope you will enjoy them as well.
These looks and sounds delicious! My husband is gluten free so I need to make these!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Hi Katherine, Hope your husband will enjoy it. I try lots of vegan and GF recipes and love it.