Description
These Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are a spicy, crispy, and flavorful plant-based snack perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Coated in a seasoned batter, baked to golden perfection, then brushed with a tangy homemade buffalo sauce, they offer a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional wings. Served with a creamy dairy-free ranch dressing, they make an irresistible appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 small cauliflower, cut into small bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup brown rice flour (or flour of choice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cashew milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
Buffalo Sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing
- 1 recipe dairy-free ranch dressing (prepared separately)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ranch Dressing: Begin by soaking cashews for the dairy-free ranch dressing. Once soaked, blend and prepare the ranch according to its specific recipe instructions, then refrigerate until serving.
- Preheat Oven: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Make Batter and Coat Cauliflower: In a large bowl, place the cauliflower florets. In a separate bowl, combine brown rice flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the cashew milk and water to the flour mixture and whisk well to form a smooth batter. Pour the batter over the cauliflower, tossing thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
- Bake Cauliflower: Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the florets once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, tomato paste, and white vinegar in a small saucepan. Whisk well and simmer over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Coat Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce: Remove the cauliflower from the oven, and using a silicone brush, generously coat each piece with the buffalo sauce. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through to achieve a crispy, saucy finish.
- Serve: Serve the cauliflower buffalo wings hot with the chilled dairy-free ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy immediately as a flavorful, crispy snack.
Notes
- Cauliflower buffalo wings are spicy and flavorful with a perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and tenderness inside.
- Use gluten-free flour alternatives to keep this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level according to your preference.
- Soaking cashews ahead of time is essential for a smooth, creamy ranch dressing.
- Flipping the cauliflower halfway through baking helps achieve even crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 118 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 732 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
