If you are ready to dive into a snack that combines crispy, tender cauliflower with a tantalizing spicy-sweet sauce, this Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with bold flavors and a perfect crunch, this dish is so simple yet incredibly satisfying, making it a standout appetizer or a delightful side that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings together easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps that will make you feel like a culinary rock star in no time.

Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe lies in its thoughtfully picked ingredients that keep things simple but packed with flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the crispy batter to the creamy, spicy sauce that elevates the dish.

Cauliflower: A medium head cut into bite-sized florets provides the star of the show—crunchy yet tender inside.
All-purpose flour: Creates the base of the batter, giving structure and a light crispiness.
Cornstarch: Helps intensify the crunch for that perfect fry-like texture.
Water: Brings the batter together for easy coating without overpowering the flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory warmth that complements the sauce beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every bite.
Olive oil: Optional but great for achieving an extra crispy finish when baking.
Cooking spray: Useful for greasing to prevent sticking and aid browning when baking.
Mayonnaise (or vegan mayo): The creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce that ties all flavors together.
Sweet chili sauce: Brings the sweet but spicy kick that defines the Bang Bang style.
Sriracha: Adds heat and depth—feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Honey or maple syrup: Balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.

How to Make Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven or Air Fryer

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when you’re ready to cook, the heat is just right to deliver a crispy, golden exterior on your cauliflower.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, water, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil if you’re using it. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This batter is key for the crisp coating that makes this Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe so addictive.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower Florets

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. This helps avoid a soggy coating and ensures your cauliflower will crisp up beautifully. Arrange the battered florets on a greased baking sheet or in your air fryer basket in a single layer.

Step 4: Cook Until Crisp

Bake the cauliflower for 25 to 30 minutes, or air fry for 15 to 18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Keep an eye on them as they develop a gorgeous golden color and a satisfyingly crunchy texture, perfect for capturing that Bang Bang spirit.

Step 5: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

While the cauliflower cooks, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey or maple syrup in a small bowl. Stir until the sauce is silky smooth and ready to coat your crispy cauliflower with that signature spicy-sweet glaze.

Step 6: Toss Cauliflower in Sauce

Once the cauliflower is cooked to perfection, gently toss it in the Bang Bang sauce until every bite is thoroughly coated. Don’t be shy here—this sauce is the heart and soul of the recipe.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Your Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe is now ready to delight everyone lucky enough to taste it.

How to Serve Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top to add freshness, a little crunch, and a beautiful contrast. These garnishes elevate your dish from delicious to visually stunning and irresistibly tasty.

Side Dishes

Pair your Bang Bang Cauliflower with steamed jasmine rice or a crisp green salad to create a balanced and satisfying meal. The rice helps cool down the spicy sauce, while the salad adds a refreshing crunch that complements the dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cauliflower in a taco shell with slaw for a fun twist or pile it atop a bed of noodles for a casual but impressive lunch. You can even use this recipe as a filling for wraps or as a crunchy topping for grain bowls—there’s no limit to how you can enjoy this versatile Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any cooled leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the coated florets separate from the sauce if possible to maintain their crispness.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for maintaining the crispy texture. If you do freeze, flash freeze the battered, cooked florets on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within 1 month for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 375°F (190°C) oven or an air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving since it tends to make the cauliflower soggy and reduces the delightful crunch that makes this Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use vegan mayo instead of regular mayonnaise and swap honey for maple syrup to keep it plant-based while still maintaining those delicious Bang Bang flavors.

Is air frying better than baking for this recipe?

Air frying is fantastic for crispiness and quicker cooking times, but baking also works really well if you prefer or don’t have an air fryer. Both methods deliver great results.

How spicy is the Bang Bang Sauce?

The sauce has a pleasant kick that is balanced by sweetness and creaminess. You can always adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your tolerance for heat, making it milder or extra spicy.

Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower?

While cauliflower is ideal for its texture and mild flavor, you can experiment with broccoli florets or even battered zucchini slices for a twist, though the cooking times may vary.

What is the best way to serve this at a party?

Serve in small bowls or on a platter with toothpicks for easy sharing. Offering extra Bang Bang sauce on the side lets everyone customize their spice level and keeps the cauliflower perfectly crispy longer.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe is such a joyful dish to make and share. The combination of crispy goodness and a fiery, sweet sauce is addictive and rewarding every time. I encourage you to give this a try—you’ll find it becomes one of those recipes that you reach for again and again whether for casual snacks or for impressing your guests with something truly delicious.

Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe

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4.3 from 47 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe offers a deliciously crispy and spicy twist on traditional cauliflower. Lightly battered and baked or air-fried to perfection, the cauliflower florets are coated in a creamy, tangy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey or maple syrup. Ideal as a flavorful appetizer or side dish, this versatile recipe is quick to prepare and sure to please fans of bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower and Batter

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for crispiness)
Cooking spray (if baking)

Bang Bang Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

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Instructions

Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the cauliflower cooks evenly and develops a crispy texture.
Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, water, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil (if using) until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, creating a batter that will coat the cauliflower nicely.
Batter the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off to avoid soggy pieces. Arrange the coated florets on a greased baking sheet if baking, or place them directly into the air fryer basket if using an air fryer.
Cook the Cauliflower: Bake the cauliflower in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or air fry for 15 to 18 minutes, turning the florets halfway through the cooking time to ensure they become golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey or maple syrup in a small bowl. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and creamy, balancing sweet and spicy flavors.
Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked and crispy, remove it from the oven or air fryer. Gently toss the florets in the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the Bang Bang Cauliflower immediately for maximum crispness. Optionally garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds to add a fresh, decorative touch.

Notes

For a vegan option, use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of honey.
Cooking times may vary depending on your oven or air fryer model; watch closely to avoid burning.
Adding olive oil to the batter helps increase crispiness but can be omitted for a lighter version.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American