Buffalo Cauliflower
Are you ready to spice up your meal with a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings? Buffalo cauliflower is the perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy bold flavors without the guilt. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating crispy, spicy, and tangy cauliflower bites that are sure to impress your guests. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, buffalo cauliflower is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Ingredients
– 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
– 1 cup of water
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buffalo sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 1 cup) contains about 150 calories, 5g of protein, 8g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and 3g of fiber. This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth.
3. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated.
4. Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. While the cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo sauce and olive oil in a large bowl.
7. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss it in the buffalo sauce mixture.
8. Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
9. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you want to make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or chickpea flour. For a lower-calorie option, you could use a lighter sauce or reduce the amount of oil used.
Serving and Pairings
Buffalo cauliflower pairs excellently with a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks, served with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip. It also makes a great addition to salads or as a topping on grain bowls.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Freezing is not recommended as it may result in a soggy texture when reheated.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
– Make sure the oven is preheated for better crispiness.
– Don’t skip letting the cauliflower cool slightly before serving; it enhances the flavor.
– Ensure the batter is smooth to coat the cauliflower evenly.
– Use a light hand when tossing in the sauce to prevent sogginess.
Helpful Tips
– For extra crunch, try adding breadcrumbs to the batter.
– Experiment with different hot sauces for varied flavor profiles.
– Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce.
– Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make buffalo cauliflower in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook buffalo cauliflower in an air fryer! Preheat the air fryer and cook the coated florets at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Is buffalo cauliflower vegan?
Absolutely! This dish is vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for plant-based diets.
Can I prepare buffalo cauliflower ahead of time?
You can prepare the cauliflower and batter ahead of time, but it’s best to bake it just before serving for optimal crispiness.
What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a sweet chili sauce or a homemade hot sauce mixture.
How do I make buffalo cauliflower spicy?
To increase the heat, add more hot sauce to the batter or toss the cauliflower in a spicier sauce after baking.
Conclusion
Buffalo cauliflower is a fantastic way to enjoy the bold flavors of buffalo wings in a healthier, plant-based form. With its crispy texture and spicy kick, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether for game day or a casual dinner, it’s a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy!
Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- While the cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo sauce and olive oil in a large bowl.
- Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss it in the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
