Description
Crispy Bang Bang Cauliflower is a delicious and crunchy appetizer that combines the flavors of a spicy sauce with perfectly fried cauliflower florets.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha, or to taste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower florets.
- Make the coating: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
- Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. For extra crunch, dip it back into the buttermilk and coat again with panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry the cauliflower in batches for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply golden and crispy.
- Drain: Transfer the fried cauliflower to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic until smooth.
- Toss: Place the crispy cauliflower in a large bowl and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Toss gently until lightly coated. For maximum crispiness, drizzle the sauce over the cauliflower instead of fully tossing it.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Keep the sauce off the cauliflower until right before serving to maintain crispiness.
- For an air fryer option, spray the coated cauliflower with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg