Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Buffalo cauliflower recipe is a delicious, vegetarian twist on the classic buffalo wings we all know and love. This easy-to-make recipe turns cauliflower florets into crunchy, spicy bites of goodness that are perfect for parties, game days, or a satisfying snack. Coated in a hot, tangy buffalo sauce, these cauliflower bites deliver all the flavors of buffalo wings without the meat or extra calories.
A Brief History of Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe:
Buffalo sauce, originally popularized in the 1960s in Buffalo, New York, was first used to coat chicken wings at the Anchor Bar. The sauce’s spicy, tangy, and savory kick became a crowd favorite, inspiring various interpretations of the classic buffalo wing over time. In recent years, with the growing interest in plant-based eating, buffalo cauliflower emerged as a healthier, vegetarian alternative to buffalo wings, offering the same bold flavors but with fewer calories.
Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan (if making homemade buffalo sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for a richer flavor)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Carrot and celery sticks, on the side
Instructions
- Preheat and PreparePreheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cauliflower from sticking.
- Make the BatterIn a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth, with no lumps. The batter should have a thick consistency, enough to coat the cauliflower without dripping excessively.
- Coat the CauliflowerAdd the cauliflower florets to the bowl of batter. Toss the cauliflower pieces until each floret is evenly coated with the batter.
- Use a fork or tongs to transfer the battered cauliflower onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out to avoid overcrowding.
- Bake the CauliflowerBake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they start to look golden and crispy.
- While the cauliflower is baking, prepare your buffalo sauce if you’re making it from scratch, or warm the sauce and melted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Coat with Buffalo SauceAfter 20 minutes of baking, remove the cauliflower from the oven. Using a spoon or a brush, coat each floret with buffalo sauce, making sure they’re well-covered for that spicy kick.
- Return the cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the buffalo sauce sets and the cauliflower is crispy around the edges.
- Serve and EnjoyLet the buffalo cauliflower cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing, along with celery and carrot sticks if desired.
Video
Similar Recipes to Try:
If you enjoyed this buffalo cauliflower recipe, here are a few similar plant-based, spicy, and flavorful recipes:
– BBQ Cauliflower Wings: Replace the buffalo sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
– Sriracha Cauliflower Bites: Try this Asian-inspired alternative by coating the cauliflower with a sriracha and honey glaze.
– Baked Cauliflower Tacos: Use spiced cauliflower as a taco filling, topped with salsa, avocado, and cilantro.
– Buffalo Chickpea Salad: Roast chickpeas with buffalo seasoning for a crunchy, protein-packed snack or salad topper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe:
1. Can I make buffalo cauliflower in an air fryer?
Yes, air frying works great! Cook the battered cauliflower at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, then coat with buffalo sauce and cook for another 5 minutes.
2. How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, ensure the buffalo sauce is dairy-free and skip the butter or use vegan butter.
3. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh cauliflower is best, but you can use frozen. Thaw and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before battering and baking.
4. How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce. For a milder version, mix buffalo sauce with a bit of melted butter.
5. Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
6. What can I serve with buffalo cauliflower?
Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing, and add celery and carrot sticks on the side for a complete snack.
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour in the batter to make this recipe gluten-free.
8. How do I make homemade buffalo sauce?
Combine ½ cup hot sauce, 1 tbsp vinegar, and 1 tbsp melted butter. Adjust spices to taste.
9. Is this recipe low in calories?
Compared to traditional buffalo wings, yes! Each serving of buffalo cauliflower has about 150 calories, depending on the sauce and toppings used.
10. Why is my cauliflower soggy?
To avoid sogginess, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and bake at high heat. For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Conclusion:
Buffalo cauliflower is a perfect example of how you can enjoy bold, comforting flavors without meat or high calories. This recipe brings all the spicy goodness of traditional buffalo wings into a healthier, plant-based form. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a fresh snack idea, buffalo cauliflower is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
YouTube Video Credits:
Tasty
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