Description
Buffalo cauliflower is a plant-based twist on classic buffalo wings, featuring crispy cauliflower florets coated in a spicy buffalo sauce. Perfect for game nights, parties, or as a homemade snack. Easily made vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
– 1½ cups flour (substitute gluten-free flour if needed)
– ¾ cup cornstarch
– 1½ tbsp baking powder
– 1½ cups chilled club soda
– ½ tsp kosher salt
– ½ tsp onion powder
– ½ tsp garlic powder
– ¼ tsp white pepper
– Vegetable oil (enough to submerge cauliflower partially)
For Coating:
– ¾ cup buffalo sauce (substitute barbecue, honey mustard, or ranch if preferred)
For Serving:
– 1 cup blue cheese dressing (substitute ranch or vegan alternatives)
– 2 carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
– 3 celery stalks, cut into sticks
Instructions
- Heat a pot of vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the oil is at least 3 inches deep.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and white pepper. Gradually whisk in chilled club soda until smooth.
- Trim and cut a head of cauliflower into florets. Dredge each floret lightly in the dry mixture, then dip into the batter, shaking off excess.
- Carefully place the battered florets into the hot oil, frying in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Gently toss the freshly fried cauliflower in buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Arrange on a platter with blue cheese dressing, carrot sticks, and celery sticks for dipping.
Notes
– Use chilled club soda: This ensures a lighter, crispier batter. Avoid overcrowding the pot while frying to maintain even cooking and crispiness.
– Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness. Store cauliflower and sauce separately to prevent sogginess.
– Customizations: Swap buffalo sauce with barbecue, teriyaki, or ranch for variety. Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Frying (or Baking for a healthier option)
- Cuisine: American / Plant-Based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg