Buffalo Cauliflower: A Spicy, Vegan Delight
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy vegan alternative to traditional buffalo wings? Look no further! This buffalo cauliflower recipe is crispy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying. It's perfect for game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or any occasion where you crave a flavorful and satisfying snack. This recipe is also gluten-free and can easily be made paleo by adjusting the breading.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for paleo)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste!)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (your favorite brand!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: Chopped celery and carrots for serving
- Optional: Ranch or blue cheese dressing (vegan options available)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Wash and dry the cauliflower florets thoroughly. Make sure they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss gently to coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Ensure all florets are well-covered.
Baking the Cauliflower:
- Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure crispy results.
- Drizzle the cauliflower with olive oil and toss gently to distribute.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and slightly browned.
Adding the Buffalo Sauce:
- Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl.
- Pour the buffalo wing sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat. Ensure all florets are evenly coated in the delicious sauce.
Serving Your Spicy Creation:
- Serve immediately. Garnish with chopped celery and carrots for a classic buffalo wing presentation.
- Offer a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing (vegan options available).
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy cauliflower, you can air fry the florets at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, before tossing them in the buffalo sauce.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level. Start with less and add more to taste.
- Get creative with your spices! Experiment with different spice blends to find your perfect flavor combination.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the cauliflower and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
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