Whether you're preparing for a big game day, hosting a party, or simply craving a mouthwatering snack, these Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the perfect choice. The combination of crispy, roasted cauliflower with a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that rivals traditional chicken wings. In this blog post, we will explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking process for these vegan-friendly cauliflower wings. This plant-based recipe is not only healthy but also a fun and flavorful way to satisfy your wing cravings without the guilt!

Ingredients for Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

To make these irresistible Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cauliflower Wings:

  • 1 medium-sized head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for added crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (use your favorite brand or adjust the heat level to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds tang)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
  • A pinch of salt (to taste)

Prep Time

The preparation time for these Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings is relatively quick, making it a convenient snack or appetizer. From start to finish, it will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare the cauliflower florets and set them aside before cooking.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll do during the prep time:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
  3. Prepare the batter and buffalo sauce, ensuring all the ingredients are ready to go.

Cook Time

Once you’ve prepped the cauliflower and buffalo sauce, the actual cooking process is where the magic happens. The cook time for these wings is approximately 25-30 minutes, with a few key steps during this phase:

  1. Coat the cauliflower florets in the batter and bake them in the oven until crispy.
  2. Toss the crispy cauliflower in the buffalo sauce and return them to the oven for a few additional minutes to ensure the sauce sticks.

During the cooking phase, you’ll notice the cauliflower wings turn golden brown and crispy, achieving that perfect "wing" texture. You may also choose to broil them for a couple of minutes at the end to add an extra crispy touch.

Total Time

The total time for making Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, from prep to finish, is approximately 45 minutes. This includes both the prep time and the cook time, making it a relatively quick dish to prepare for parties, game nights, or even a weeknight snack.

Servings

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for a small group of friends or family. However, it’s easy to scale up the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd. Simply adjust the ingredients proportionally to ensure you have enough cauliflower wings for everyone to enjoy.

Yield

With this recipe, you’ll get about 1 to 1.5 pounds of cauliflower wings. The exact yield depends on the size of the cauliflower florets you cut and how much batter you use to coat them. You can easily serve these wings as a snack or appetizer for 4 people, or double the recipe to serve a larger group.

Directions for Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Now that you know the ingredients, prep time, cook time, and yield, let’s walk through the directions step-by-step. Here’s how to make these Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings:

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by washing and cutting the cauliflower. Trim the leaves and stem, then break or cut the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. You want the pieces to be uniform in size so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well-combined.

Slowly pour in the plant-based milk while stirring the mixture, until it forms a smooth batter. The batter should have a consistency similar to pancake batter—thick enough to coat the cauliflower florets without dripping too much.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, ensuring that it is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter and place the coated cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to leave space between the florets to allow them to crisp up properly.

Drizzle the cauliflower with a little bit of olive oil to help with the crisping process. This oil will give the wings a golden, crunchy exterior when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Cauliflower

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cauliflower for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through baking, flip the cauliflower florets to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. After 25 minutes, the cauliflower should be crispy on the outside but tender on the inside.

If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the cauliflower for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Once melted, whisk in the hot sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well-combined, then remove from heat.

If you prefer a milder sauce, you can adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking. You can also add a little more maple syrup if you enjoy a sweeter buffalo sauce.

Step 6: Toss the Cauliflower in the Sauce

Once the cauliflower wings are baked and crispy, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat each floret evenly in the spicy sauce. Make sure the wings are well-covered for that perfect buffalo flavor.

Step 7: Return to the Oven (Optional)

For an even stickier coating, return the sauced-up cauliflower wings to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. This will help the buffalo sauce set and become even more deliciously tangy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are ready, serve them immediately. You can pair them with a variety of sides, such as fresh celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. If you love heat, sprinkle a little extra hot sauce on top for an added kick!

Variations and Tips

  • Add Vegan Cheese: If you're looking to elevate the flavor even further, consider sprinkling the cauliflower with vegan mozzarella or parmesan after they’ve been coated in buffalo sauce. Pop them back in the oven for a few more minutes to melt the cheese.
  • Air Fryer Method: For even crispier wings, you can cook the battered cauliflower in an air fryer at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
  • Spicy Heat: If you like your buffalo wings extra hot, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce, or choose a hotter variety of hot sauce.
  • Buffalo Sauce Flavor Variations: Play around with the buffalo sauce ingredients by experimenting with different vinegars (like balsamic for a richer flavor) or adding smoked paprika for a smokier depth.

With these tips, you can customize your Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings to your preferences and create a truly satisfying snack!