Cauliflower Buffalo Wings from Cauliflower's feature crispy battered cauliflower florets tossed in a spicy, tangy buffalo sauce, offering a flavorful and guilt-free alternative to traditional wings with a vibrant orange glaze and a drizzle of cooling ranch.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
- Saucepan (for buffalo sauce)
- Wire rack (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Spoon or ladle (for drizzling sauce/ranch)
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter or regular butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade, for drizzling)
When preparing cauliflower for these buffalo wings, ensure the florets are bite-sized for even cooking and better coating adherence. Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones to achieve extra crispiness, which complements the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly. The choice of hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot, heavily influences the final flavor, so select one that matches your heat tolerance. Incorporating maple syrup into the buffalo sauce adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tang and spice. Your Cauliflower Buffalo Wings from Cauliflower's copycat menu deliver a crispy, flavorful, and guilt-free alternative to traditional wings, finished with a cooling ranch drizzle.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and water until smooth.
- Add cauliflower florets to the batter, tossing to coat evenly.
- In a separate bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip battered cauliflower florets into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat.
- Arrange coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine hot sauce, butter, and maple syrup; heat over low until melted and combined.
- Remove cauliflower from oven. Toss baked florets in the buffalo sauce, coating well.
- Return cauliflower to the baking sheet (or a wire rack set over the sheet) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until extra crispy.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving. Optionally, spoon additional buffalo sauce over the top.
Substitution
Cauliflower Buffalo Wings from Cauliflower's copycat menu deliver crispy battered florets coated in a vibrant buffalo sauce that perfectly balances heat and tang. If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or crushed tortilla chips can be used as a crunchy substitute. You can replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities. When preparing the buffalo sauce, adjust the amount of hot sauce and maple syrup to match your preferred spice level and sweetness. To maintain the crispiness, place the wings on a wire rack instead of directly on the baking sheet.
Tips
Ensure the cauliflower florets are uniformly sized to promote even cooking and consistent crispness. Press the panko breadcrumbs firmly onto the battered florets to achieve a crunchy exterior, avoiding sogginess. When tossing the baked florets in buffalo sauce, do it gently to maintain the crispy coating without breaking it apart. Your buffalo wings will benefit from using a wire rack during the final bake to allow air circulation, enhancing the crispiness further.
Nutritions
Cauliflower Buffalo Wings provide a nutritious alternative to traditional chicken wings, featuring cauliflower, which is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants that support immune health and digestion. The recipe uses whole ingredients like panko breadcrumbs and a lightly battered coating, which adds texture without excessive calories or unhealthy fats. The buffalo sauce, made from hot sauce, butter, and optional maple syrup, supplies flavor with controlled fat content, while the ranch dressing adds a cooling contrast but should be used in moderation due to its calorie density. You can enjoy this flavorful dish knowing it's lower in cholesterol and saturated fat compared to conventional wings, making it a balanced option for a guilt-free snack or appetizer.
Storage
Store leftover Cauliflower Buffalo Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and crispiness. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 10-15 minutes instead of using a microwave to preserve the crunchy texture. Your wings will retain the vibrant flavor and satisfying bite when properly stored and reheated.
Variation or Alternatives
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to maintain crunch. You can swap hot sauce for a smoky chipotle sauce to add a deeper flavor profile to your buffalo wings. Using a wire rack during baking allows air circulation around the florets, enhancing crispiness without extra oil. If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the hot sauce and increase the maple syrup for a sweeter glaze.
Allergies
Cauliflower Buffalo Wings contain common allergens such as gluten from all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs, which could trigger reactions in individuals with wheat allergies or celiac disease. The use of vegan or regular butter introduces potential dairy allergens unless choosing a completely dairy-free alternative. Your sensitivity to ingredients like garlic, onion powder, or hot sauce spices should also be considered, as they may cause irritation or allergic responses in some people.
Why this recipe?
Cauliflower Buffalo Wings from Cauliflower's restaurant offer a perfect balance of crispy texture and bold, tangy buffalo sauce that appeals to both vegan and meat-eaters. The use of fresh, locally sourced cauliflower ensures a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional chicken wings. Your taste buds will enjoy the satisfying crunch and spicy kick without the guilt of excess calories or cholesterol. Trying to make the copycat recipe allows you to recreate this delicious dish at home, controlling ingredients for a healthier, personalized experience.