Crispy, spicy, creamy perfection
Crunchy oven-baked Bang Bang Cauliflower coated in golden panko and drizzled with a creamy, sweet-heat sauce. This easy vegetarian appetizer takes just 35 minutes and delivers restaurant-style flavor with minimal oil. Perfect for parties, snacks, or meatless mains!
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Total: 35 mins
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower (about 600g), cut into florets
- 120 ml (½ cup) buttermilk
- 1 egg
- ¾ tsp garlic salt
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 150 g (3 cups) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp celery salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Bang Bang Sauce
- 120 ml (½ cup) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp honey
To Serve
- 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced
Kitchen Tools
- Baking sheet + parchment paper
- 2 mixing bowls
- Whisk & tongs
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F (fan). Line a baking sheet and mix the bang bang sauce (mayo, sweet chili, sriracha, honey).
- Wet mix: In Bowl A, whisk buttermilk, egg, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp white pepper, and ½ tsp garlic salt.
- Dry mix: In Bowl B, combine panko, paprika, black pepper, celery salt, remaining garlic salt, and olive oil until crumbs look glossy.
- Coat: Dip each cauliflower piece into the wet mix, then into the panko. Arrange on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Drizzle with sauce, top with spring onions and chili, and serve hot.
Variation Recipes
- Air Fryer Version: Cook coated florets at 200°C/400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Buffalo Style: Swap sweet chili for buffalo sauce and honey for lemon juice.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko for the same crispy texture.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Cauliflower is the ultimate quick veggie appetizer crispy outside, tender inside, and smothered in creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. Perfect for sharing, easy to bake, and guaranteed to impress every time.
Nutrition (Estimated)
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 471 | 9g | 37g | 33g | 5g | 13g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary by brand and preparation method.