Cauliflower Wings: Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Crispy Cauliflower Wings Recipe — Image Credit : Miriam Hahn/Tasting Table

This innovative take on traditional wings presents a delicious alternative, particularly suitable for those seeking a meat-free option without compromising on flavor. These cauliflower wings boast a crispy exterior and a tender interior, infused with a delightful combination of sweet, salty, savory, and spicy flavors. The honey provides sweetness, while the soy sauce contributes umami, the chili paste adds heat, and the garlic offers aromatic notes, resulting in a thick and sticky sauce that coats the cauliflower wings beautifully.

Wellness coach and recipe developer Miriam Hahn shares this recipe, stating, “Cauliflower is incredibly versatile, and this recipe happens to be one of my favorites. It’s perfect for gatherings, game day, or even as a vegetable side dish.”

To begin, gather the necessary ingredients, including cauliflower, garlic, scallions, chickpea flour, panko breadcrumbs, milk, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, honey, chili paste, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and scallions.

First, preheat the oven to 400°F. Then, prepare the batter by combining the chickpea flour, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and milk to form a thick batter. Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, followed by the panko breadcrumbs. Place them on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

While the cauliflower bakes, prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, crushed garlic, chili paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Once the cauliflower is baked, toss it with the prepared sauce. Reset the oven to broil and return the cauliflower to the baking tray. Broil for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce caramelizes slightly.

To serve, garnish the cauliflower wings with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

These cauliflower wings can be customized to suit individual preferences. Adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of cayenne pepper or chili paste. Experiment with different coatings, such as crushed cornflakes or chopped nuts, for added texture and flavor. Additionally, try different glazes and sauces, such as buffalo or barbecue sauce, to create unique variations.

These wings are suitable for various dietary preferences and can be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free milk. To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or homemade gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Prepare the components of the recipe in advance, storing the cauliflower florets and batter/coating mixture separately until ready to bake. Avoid reheating leftovers in the microwave to maintain their crispiness; instead, reheat them in an air-fryer or under the broiler for optimal results.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Tasting Table}