Description
These Sticky Honey Sriracha Cauliflower “Wings” offer a deliciously crispy and spicy alternative to traditional chicken wings. Whether baked or fried, the cauliflower florets are coated in a flavorful batter, then tossed in a sticky honey-sriracha sauce for the perfect balance of sweet and heat. Ideal for vegans and anyone looking for a tasty, plant-based appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 head of cauliflower, approx. 4 cups of florets
- 1 cup milk (for vegan option: use water, almond milk, or soy milk)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free rice flour)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika or chili powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup sriracha
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 400ºF (205ºC). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. If frying, heat a large deep pan filled with oil over medium-high heat.
- Prepare Cauliflower and Breading Station: Wash and cut the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets. Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl for easy coating.
- Mix Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the milk (or vegan substitute), flour, garlic powder, cumin, paprika or chili powder, salt, and ground pepper until smooth to create the batter.
- Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. This can be done individually or in batches.
- Bake or Fry the Cauliflower: To bake, arrange the breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the coating is crispy and golden. To fry, carefully deep-fry the breaded cauliflower in hot oil for 10-15 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha, and ketchup to create the sticky sauce.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce and Serve: Remove the baked or fried cauliflower wings and immediately toss them in the honey sriracha sauce until well coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Serve warm with blue cheese or ranch dip.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use plant-based milk.
- You can use gluten-free rice flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level.
- For extra crispiness when baking, flip the cauliflower halfway through cooking.
- If frying, ensure the oil temperature remains steady to avoid soggy cauliflower.
