If you're craving some Asian-inspired flavors, you will love this Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower! Crispy fried cauliflower florets are tossed in an irresistible savory sauce for a delicious meal.
Hiiii, friends! Happy FRIDAY! I have officially survived my first week(ish) of my internal medicine rotation and I'm having a great time so far! It's nothing too crazy yet, but... stay tuned. Anyways! To celebrate the new year/new rotations/no meat 2018/etc etc etc, I have this AMAZING meatless meal that you won't believe is meatless! This Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower has ultra crispy fried cauli florets tossed with the most irresistible savory/spicy bang bang sauce. SO GOOD. Honestly, it's hard to believe this isn't like... chicken.
Truly though, veganism is just getting more and more popular each year which means there are more and more awesome products out on the market! However - I'm a firm believer the best food is still made at home with simple ingredients. So, what do you need? Well, some cauliflower of course, your favorite nondairy milk, and cornstarch. If all you're getting after is fried cauliflower, this is literally IT. If you wanna get fancy and turn it into bang bang cauliflower, just whip up an easy peasy sauce with vegan mayo and sriracha (plus a few other things) and - ta-daaaa. Now you got a whole new dish!
So I did some mini-polls on my Instagram stories to get a feel of what you guys like and I am so appreciative of the feedback! Overall, y'all dig the vegan food but you also want vegetarian recipes. Real food recipes are much more requested over desserts {though ya better believe the desserts are still coming your way}. ALSO I was feeling out interest for PA school and wedding and lifestyle things, which I know a lot of other people do but I wasn't sure about. And it seems like y'all are ALL about that!! So I'll start brainstorming on some school-related things to share. Real wedding planning things aren't happening for another short while so those will be coming when the time is right.
I hope you'll try out this vegan bang bang cauliflower soon! Whether you're participating in veganuary or are full-time vegan, or you're just a flexible omnimore... you're sure to love this. It's seriously SO GOOD.
Looking for more delicious vegan recipes? Check out my Vegan Sofritas Tacos, Vegan Jalapeño Ranch, Vegan Chorizo Taco Chili, and Vegan Ramen with Sticky Peanut Tofu! You can find lots more in my Vegan tab. Happy cooking!
- 1 head cauliflower
- ½ cup unsweetened soy milk {or your favorite nondairy milk}
- 2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2-3 cups corn oil, for frying
- *for the sauce*
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
- ½ - 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce {more or less depending on how much spice you like}
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes {more/less to taste}
- First, prepare the cauliflower. Rinse well under water and cut into small florets.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1-2 tablespoon of salt, and toss in the cauliflower. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy milk and vinegar to make "buttermilk". Set aside for a few minutes to allow the milk to curdle.
- In another bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with the salt, garlic, and onion powder.
- Prepare an assembly line, first dipping the cauliflower pieces in the milk/vinegar mixture, then tossing in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Repeat with all.
- Now you are ready to fry. Heat the corn oil over medium heat until shimmering. Fry the cauliflower, a few pieces at a time, until golden brown on the outside and crisp. Sprinkle on a little salt while they're still hot.
- Now, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce. Either toss the cauliflower in the sauce, or serve together. Enjoy!
Adina says
How delicious! I have never had cauliflower cooked this way, I would love to try it!
valentina says
Thank you for your comment Adina! 🙂 Cauliflower cooked like this tastes just like Chinese takeout!
Allison Barefield says
It's really amazing recipe. I like your post. Thank you for shear a great information.