Description
Crispy baked Bang Bang Cauliflower coated in a flavorful panko and sesame seed crust, tossed with a spicy, sweet, and tangy homemade bang bang sauce. A delicious vegetarian main course inspired by American flavors, perfect for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- cooking spray
Bang Bang Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or sambal oelek (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
To Serve
- green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil or spray it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until a smooth batter forms.
- Coat Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets into the batter, gently stirring to coat each piece evenly. Use a fork or kitchen tongs to lift the florets out, allowing excess batter to drip off.
- Bread Cauliflower: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds. Press each battered cauliflower floret into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Place the breaded florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cauliflower: Lightly mist the breaded cauliflower with cooking spray or oil for crispiness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar (or lime juice) in a small bowl. Adjust spice and sweetness to your liking.
- Toss and Serve: Once the cauliflower is hot and crispy, drizzle the bang bang sauce over it or toss gently to coat. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the sriracha amount to control the heat of the bang bang sauce.
- Using cooking spray helps achieve a crispy texture without deep frying.
- For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Ensure cauliflower florets are cut evenly for uniform baking.
- This dish is best served immediately to maintain crispiness, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
