Introduction

Vegan Cauliflower Wings are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional chicken wings. Made from cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful batter and baked until crispy, these "wings" can be tossed in your favorite sauce for a tasty and satisfying snack or appetizer. Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit among vegans and non-vegans alike.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower Wings:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if preferred)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch, make sure it's vegan)

For the Sauce (Buffalo Style):

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
• 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

For Serving:

• Vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks

Instructions

Preparing the Cauliflower Wings:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick but still pourable. If it's too thick, add a little more almond milk until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.

4. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it is well coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.

5. Roll the battered cauliflower floret in the breadcrumbs until it is evenly coated. Place the coated floret on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower florets.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Preparing the Sauce:

1. While the cauliflower wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup (if using) until well combined.

Coating the Cauliflower Wings:

1. Once the cauliflower wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl.

2. Pour the sauce over the baked cauliflower wings and gently toss until they are evenly coated.

3. Return the sauced cauliflower wings to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce is slightly caramelized and the wings are crispy.

Serving:

1. Serve the vegan cauliflower wings hot with vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery and carrot sticks on the side.

Tips and Variations

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Experiment with different sauces such as BBQ, teriyaki, or a sweet and sour sauce for a variety of flavors.

• If you prefer a less spicy sauce, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce and add a bit more vegan butter and maple syrup to balance the heat.

• To make the cauliflower wings extra crispy, you can spray them lightly with cooking spray before baking.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Vegan Cauliflower Wings!