Crispy buffalo cauliflower bites coated in spicy, tangy sauce. A vegan twist on a classic favorite that’s perfect as an appetizer or snack.
🌶️ Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp vegan butter, melted
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make a smooth batter.
Next, dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Then, bake for 20 minutes until the batter starts to firm up.
Meanwhile, mix the hot sauce and melted vegan butter in a small bowl.
After baking, toss the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Finally, return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes for extra crispiness.
Once done, garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
💡 Tips for Perfect Buffalo Cauliflower
- First of all, use firm cauliflower for the best texture.
- Additionally, ensure the batter is thick enough to stick but not too runny.
- Moreover, lightly coat the baking sheet with oil or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Lastly, serve immediately for the best flavor and crunch.
🔄 Delicious Variations
🥵 Extra Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower
Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the batter. As a result, it’s perfect for spice lovers.
🧄 Garlic Parmesan Vegan Cauliflower
Meanwhile, mix nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and paprika instead of buffalo sauce for a cheesy flavor.
🍋 Tangy Lemon Buffalo Cauliflower
Add lemon zest and juice to the sauce for a zesty twist.
🥗 Buffalo Cauliflower Salad
In contrast, toss the baked florets with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and vegan ranch for a salad version.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option
Use chickpea or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour. Consequently, it’s safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
🌱 Health Benefits
- Cauliflower is high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
- Plant-based ingredients reduce saturated fat intake.
- Baking instead of frying lowers calories while maintaining crispiness.
- Hot sauce contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism.
- Overall, this is a nutritious, satisfying, and plant-based snack.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
- Use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount to suit children’s taste.
- Cut cauliflower into smaller florets for easy eating.
- Serve with vegan ranch or ketchup for dipping.
- Consequently, kids enjoy the crispy, flavorful snack without overwhelming heat.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used)
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer with vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Pair with celery sticks or carrot sticks for a classic combo.
- Perfect for parties, game day snacks, or casual dinners.
- Serve hot for the crispiest texture and best flavor.
