Crispy Bang Bang Cauliflower Bites (Printable)
Golden cauliflower with crispy panko coating in creamy spicy sauce
# List of ingredients:
→ For the Cauliflower Bites
01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - Cooking spray or oil, for baking
→ For the Bang Bang Sauce
10 - ½ cup mayonnaise
11 - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
13 - 1 tablespoon honey
14 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
→ For Garnish
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
16 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray or oil.
02 - Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Dredge each cauliflower floret in flour, dip into the egg, then coat with the seasoned panko mixture. Place coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
04 - Lightly spray the tops of the florets with cooking spray. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
05 - While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar to make the Bang Bang sauce.
06 - Once baked, transfer cauliflower bites to a large bowl. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and toss gently to coat.
07 - Arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- That perfect crunch to sauce ratio will make you forget you are eating vegetables
- Friends literally fight over the last bite at every gathering I host
02 -
- Crowding the baking sheet is the fastest way to end up with soggy florets instead of crispy ones
- The sauce must be added after baking, never before, or you will lose all that crunch you worked for
03 -
- Letting your coated florets sit for 10 minutes before baking helps the coating adhere better
- A wire rack on your baking sheet promotes air circulation for even crispier results