Description:
These Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a delicious, healthy, and spicy alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Made by roasting cauliflower florets in a crispy batter and then tossing them in a tangy buffalo sauce, this dish is perfect for those looking for a plant-based option. It’s a hit at parties, game days, or as a flavorful snack. Serve with vegan ranch or blue cheese dip for the ultimate experience.
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
- 1 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk of choice)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (check ingredients to ensure it’s vegan)
- 2 tbsp vegan butter, melted
- Fresh parsley or celery, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. - Prepare the batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, almond milk, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still drip off easily. - Coat the cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess batter and place the florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake the cauliflower:
Bake the cauliflower for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the edges. - Prepare the buffalo sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, whisk together the buffalo sauce and melted vegan butter in a small bowl. - Toss the cauliflower in sauce:
Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove it from the oven and toss it gently in the buffalo sauce until fully coated. Return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes. - Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or serve with celery sticks, vegan ranch, or vegan blue cheese dip on the side.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
Additional Information:
Why Cauliflower Wings?
Cauliflower wings have become increasingly popular as a healthy and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional chicken wings. Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that absorbs flavors well and develops a crispy, satisfying texture when roasted. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. These buffalo cauliflower wings provide the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo wings without the meat, making them ideal for vegans and vegetarians—or anyone looking to reduce their meat intake.
How to Serve:
These wings are best served hot, fresh out of the oven. They pair wonderfully with a vegan ranch or blue cheese dip and are great alongside classic sides like celery or carrot sticks. You can also add them to wraps or sandwiches for a hearty meal.
Meal Prep and Leftovers:
While these wings are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes to re-crisp them. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
Customization Options:
For those who enjoy a little extra heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or sauce. If you prefer a milder version, you can use BBQ sauce instead of buffalo sauce. The batter can also be customized with different seasonings to fit your taste preferences—try adding smoked paprika or nutritional yeast for added depth.
Dietary Adjustments:
This recipe is naturally vegan and can easily be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you are avoiding oil or butter, you can skip the vegan butter in the buffalo sauce for a slightly lighter version.
Notes:
- Crispiness tip: For extra crispy wings, broil them for 1-2 minutes after tossing them in the buffalo sauce, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Serving suggestion: These wings make an excellent appetizer or side dish at gatherings, game days, or even as a flavorful snack. If you’re making this dish for a crowd, feel free to double the recipe!
These Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy the classic flavors of buffalo wings in a healthier, plant-based form. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just curious, these wings are sure to become a favorite!