Craving something crispy, spicy, and totally plant-based? Prepare to have your taste buds blown away by these irresistible Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings that'll make you forget all about traditional chicken wings! This game-changing recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a mind-blowing appetizer that's not just delicious, but also healthier, cruelty-free, and guaranteed to impress even the most dedicated meat-lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cauliflower by cutting the head into bite-sized florets. Make sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the plant-based milk until you achieve a smooth batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter; adjust with more flour or milk if necessary.
- In a separate shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs. You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by processing stale bread in a food processor.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the floret in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Place the breaded cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. This will help them crisp up nicely.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the coated cauliflower wings to enhance their crispiness while baking.
- Bake the cauliflower wings in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- While the cauliflower wings are baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the buffalo sauce with a splash of water if you prefer a milder flavor. Heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cauliflower wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat them evenly.
- Return the coated cauliflower wings to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly and the wings to get even crispier.
- After baking, remove the wings from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as vegan ranch or celery sticks on the side.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your cauliflower florets into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
- Batter Consistency is Key: Your batter should be smooth and slightly thick, like pancake batter. Don't be afraid to adjust flour or milk to get the right consistency.
- Space is Essential: When baking, spread cauliflower wings in a single layer without touching to help them get ultra-crispy.
- Oil Drizzle Hack: Lightly drizzling olive oil before baking helps achieve that golden, crisp exterior.
- Sauce Timing: Toss wings in buffalo sauce after initial baking to prevent soggy wings and allow for perfect caramelization.
- Customize Heat: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity or mix with a milder sauce if you prefer less spice.
- Serve Immediately: These wings are best enjoyed hot and crispy, right out of the oven!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
