Cauliflower Wings

Crispy vegan Cauliflower Wings tossed with homemade buffalo sauce are a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for game day, parties, or a casual family dinner, these wings stand out with their crispy texture and bold flavors. They are easy to make and offer a delicious alternative to traditional chicken wings, ensuring you won’t miss the meat at all!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, these cauliflower wings are quick to whip up.
• Flavor Packed: The homemade buffalo sauce is rich in flavor and perfectly complements the crispy cauliflower, making every bite satisfying.
• Versatile Dish: These wings can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, suitable for any occasion.
• Healthy Option: Made with fresh cauliflower and no meat, they’re a healthier choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Paper towels

Why These Tools Matter

• Large frying pan: Provides enough space to fry multiple pieces of cauliflower at once for even cooking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling and for dipping the cauliflower into the batter easily.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering Cauliflower Wings:

For the Cauliflower Wings

• 1 bottle vegetable oil (48 ounce)
• 1 head cauliflower
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Cajun spice
• 1 ¼ tablespoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ¼ cup seltzer water

For the Buffalo Sauce

• ¾ cup Frank’s hot sauce
• 5 tablespoons vegan butter
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 ¼ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

How to Make Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into large bite-size pieces. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl:
1. Add together the flour, cornstarch, salt, Cajun spice, baking powder, and black pepper.
2. Whisk until combined.
3. Gradually pour in the seltzer water while whisking until smooth.

Step 4: Fry the Cauliflower

Dip each piece of cauliflower into the batter:
1. Let any excess batter drip off before carefully dropping it into the hot oil.
2. Fry for three to four minutes on each side or until golden brown.
3. Cook five to six pieces at a time and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare Buffalo Sauce

While frying:
1. In a small pan over medium heat, combine hot sauce, vegan butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Simmer for five minutes before removing from heat.

Step 6: Toss in Sauce

Once all cauliflower is cooked:
1. Gently toss it in buffalo sauce until evenly coated.

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious Cauliflower Wings!

How to Serve Cauliflower Wings

Cauliflower wings are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious snack, here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo flavor.
• Blue Cheese Dip: This classic dip adds a rich and tangy element that complements the heat.
• Guacamole: For a fresh twist, serve with guacamole that adds creaminess and flavor.

As a Sandwich Filling

• Wrap it Up: Place cauliflower wings in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a satisfying wrap.
• Slider Style: Serve cauliflower wings on small buns with pickles and onions for tasty sliders.

On a Salad

• Buffalo Cauliflower Salad: Toss the wings over mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber drizzled with your choice of dressing.
• Grain Bowl: Add them to a bowl filled with quinoa, black beans, avocado, and corn for a hearty meal.

How to Perfect Cauliflower Wings

Achieving the perfect cauliflower wings requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they come out crispy and flavorful.

• Bold Seasoning: Season the batter well; this enhances the flavor of the cauliflower itself.
• Crispy Coating: Use cold seltzer water in your batter for an extra crispy texture when fried.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the cauliflower in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Drain Well: Place fried wings on paper towels to absorb excess oil for a lighter bite.
• Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of hot sauce according to your preferred spice level for personalized flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cauliflower Wings

Cauliflower wings make an excellent main dish but pair beautifully with various sides. Here are some flavorful options you can consider serving alongside:

1. Celery Sticks: Crunchy celery sticks offer a refreshing contrast to the spicy wings.
2. Carrot Sticks: Sweet carrot sticks add color and crunch, perfect for dipping.
3. French Fries: Crispy fries enhance any meal; sweet potato fries add a delightful twist.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can balance out the heat of the wings with its coolness.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness that complements spicy flavors nicely.
6. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide substantial comfort food alongside your wings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making delicious Cauliflower Wings is easy, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Overcrowding the Frying Pan: Adding too many pieces of cauliflower at once can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy wings. Fry them in small batches for the best texture.
• Skipping the Batter Consistency Check: If your batter is too thick or too thin, it won’t adhere properly. Adjust with more seltzer water or flour as needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Neglecting to Dry Cauliflower: Wet cauliflower can lead to splattering oil and uneven cooking. Make sure to dry the cauliflower pieces thoroughly before dipping them in batter.
• Not Preheating the Oil: If the oil isn’t hot enough, your wings will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of batter to check readiness.
• Ignoring Seasoning Variations: While this recipe includes Cajun spice, feel free to experiment with other seasonings for different flavor profiles. Customize your seasoning mix to suit your taste.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cauliflower Wings

• For longer storage, freeze cooked Cauliflower Wings in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cauliflower Wings

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place wings on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warm, but note that they may not regain their crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Add the wings and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my Cauliflower Wings spicier?

You can increase the heat by adding more hot sauce or including cayenne pepper in the batter mix.

Can I bake instead of fry Cauliflower Wings?

Yes! Toss cauliflower pieces in batter and bake them at 450°F (230°C) for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.

What are some good dipping sauces for Cauliflower Wings?

Pair your wings with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.

How do I make gluten-free Cauliflower Wings?

Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour while maintaining the same ratios in the recipe.

Conclusion

Crispy and flavorful, these Cauliflower Wings are perfect as an appetizer or snack. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and sauces to suit any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy experimenting with different seasonings!

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