How to Prepare Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Looking for a delicious vegan snack for your next movie night or get-together? Look no farther than Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings! These tasty bites are not only packed with flavor but also offer a healthier, plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings. In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to make these mouthwatering wings that even non-vegans will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 large head of cauliflower
1 cup of all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for a GF version)
1 cup of plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
1/2 cup of water
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of buffalo sauce or your favorite vegan-friendly hot sauce
2 tablespoons of vegan butter or oil

Getting Started:

Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (about 230°C). While waiting for the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your wings don’t stick.
Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower head and cut it into bite-sized florets, roughly the size of traditional wings. Make sure the pieces are not too small, as they will shrink a bit during cooking.
Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, plant-based milk, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the batter is smooth without any lumps.
Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess batter drip off before placing each piece on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between the florets so they can get crispy.
Bake: Place the coated cauliflower in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they start turning golden brown. Halfway through, you might want to flip them over for an even bake.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, it’s time to prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the vegan butter and mix in your buffalo sauce. Stir until combined and heated through. If you like extra spicy wings, you can add more hot sauce; for a milder version, use less.
Coat the Baked Cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove it from the oven and toss the florets in the buffalo sauce. Make sure each piece is well coated with the sauce.
Bake Again: Return the coated cauliflower pieces to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are ready to go! Serve them hot with your favorite vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing and some celery sticks on the side for a full wing-night experience.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings:

The Batter: If your batter is too thick, add a bit more water; if too thin, add a little more flour. The batter should have a consistency similar to pancake batter.
Spicing It Up: Feel free to add other spices to the batter or sauce to tailor these wings to your taste. Paprika, cumin, or even a pinch of cayenne can add an extra layer of flavor.

Conclusion:

Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are a fantastic way to enjoy a favorite snack in a healthier, cruelty-free manner. They’re easy to make, delicious, and sure to be a hit with vegans and meat-eaters alike. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for game-day eats, or just craving something spicy, these wings are the perfect choice. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the spicy, tangy, crispy goodness of these plant-based wings. Bon Appétit!