Spicy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
If you’ve ever craved the crispy, spicy goodness of buffalo wings but wanted a healthier alternative, then Spicy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the answer. I remember the first time I tried them—they were surprisingly satisfying! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with bold, zesty buffalo flavor. What’s even better? They’re a perfect plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
As a big fan of both healthy snacks and spicy food, these cauliflower wings quickly became my go-to for game day or whenever I need something to curb my cravings. So, if you’re looking for a delicious, guilt-free snack to serve at your next gathering or just want to treat yourself, this recipe will not disappoint.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Spicy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather everything we need for these mouthwatering cauliflower wings. Here’s the list of ingredients:
- For the Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 600-700 g)
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) buffalo hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) vegan butter (or regular butter if not vegan)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- For Serving (Optional):
- Celery sticks
- Vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, and set it aside.
Take your cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut it into bite-sized florets. The key here is to keep the pieces as uniform in size as possible, so they cook evenly.
Pro Tip: If you have a cauliflower head that’s a bit too large, feel free to cut it in half and save the other half for another meal!
Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The batter should have a slightly thick consistency, similar to thick pancake batter (but not as thick as dough). If it feels too thick, just add a little more milk to loosen it up.
Now, dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating it evenly, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the florets are spaced out so they don’t touch each other—this helps them get crispy!
Step 3: Bake the Cauliflower
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges. Be sure to keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, you can broil the cauliflower for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just make sure to watch them closely!
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter (or regular butter) over low heat. Once melted, stir in the buffalo hot sauce and maple syrup (if you like a bit of sweetness with your spice). Whisk everything together until smooth and heated through, then remove it from the heat.
Pro Tip: Adjust the level of sweetness or spiciness by adding more maple syrup or hot sauce, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Coat the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce
Once the cauliflower wings are done baking and are crispy, take them out of the oven. Drizzle the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower, or if you prefer, toss them in the sauce for an even coating. Be sure to coat them well, but don’t drown them in sauce—just enough to get that signature buffalo flavor!
Step 6: Optional Step: Final Bake for Stickiness
If you want to achieve that authentic “buffalo wing” texture, optional step: After coating the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce, return the cauliflower wings to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This will allow the sauce to thicken and become sticky, giving your wings a professional “wing” texture.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Spicy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are ready to serve! Arrange them on a platter, and serve with celery sticks and your favorite vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Now, you can dig in and enjoy the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and flavor. These are a great snack for parties, movie nights, or just when you want to indulge in something delicious without the guilt.
Conclusion
These Spicy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are everything you need in a healthy, spicy snack. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and give you all the satisfaction of traditional buffalo wings, but with a plant-based twist. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to your usual snack, these cauliflower wings are sure to hit the spot.
Ready to try them for yourself? Get your cauliflower and buffalo sauce ready, and bake up a batch of these crispy, spicy delights today!
FAQ
1. Can I use regular flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or even chickpea flour for a different twist.
2. Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can bake the cauliflower in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it in the oven before tossing with the buffalo sauce. This is great for meal prepping!
3. Can I use another type of sauce for these wings?
Of course! If buffalo sauce isn’t your thing, you can use BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or any other sauce you enjoy. The crispy cauliflower goes well with many different flavors!
4. How spicy are these cauliflower wings?
The level of spiciness depends on the hot sauce you use. If you prefer a milder version, you can use a less spicy sauce or add more maple syrup to balance out the heat.
Enjoy these Spicy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings and let me know how they turn out! Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a delicious snack, these wings will not disappoint. Happy cooking!
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