Description
These Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings offer a spicy, crispy, and flavorful plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Coated in a seasoned batter and baked to golden perfection, they are tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce made from hot sauce and vegan butter, delivering a delicious snack or appetizer perfect for gatherings or game day.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave (optional, for a slight sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Adjust the consistency to be thick yet pourable by adding more milk if necessary.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, fully coating it, then shake off any excess batter before placing the florets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, whisk together the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust sweetness and tanginess according to taste.
- Toss the Cauliflower in Sauce: Remove the baked cauliflower from the oven and carefully toss the florets in the buffalo sauce until well-coated.
- Return to the Oven: Place the sauced cauliflower back onto the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to let the sauce set and enhance crispiness.
- Serve: Serve the vegan buffalo cauliflower wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Notes
- To keep the wings gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour.
- Adjust cayenne pepper as per your desired spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- Use your preferred plant-based milk to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- These wings are best served immediately for optimal crispiness.
- Try pairing with celery sticks and vegan ranch dressing for a classic buffalo wing experience.
