Sweet and Spicy Bang Bang Cauliflower Bites

Q: Is there a way to make this Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make this dish vegan-friendly, swap out the regular mayonnaise for a vegan alternative. You can usually find decent options at most supermarkets these days. Also, ensure that your sweet chili sauce is vegan. These simple swaps make it a totally cruelty-free treat.

Sweet Spicy Bang Bang Cauliflower Bites Ready in 45

By Maya Patel September 6, 2025

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4.67 (6 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Craving Cauliflower with a Kick?

Ever get bored of the same old veggies? Honestly, sometimes I feel like chucking them all out the window. But wait! Have you tried my Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower ? It is seriously life changing.

This isn't your nan's boiled cauliflower. It's got that perfect sweet heat balance. Think crispy, flavorful, and totally addictive, the most delicious of all the Vegetarian Cauliflower Recipes .

Cauliflower Gone Global

This recipe kinda takes inspiration from Asian flavors. It's like a culinary remix of sorts. It's easy ish, taking about 45 minutes total.

This yields 4 servings, great for sharing, or not, I won’t judge.

Health and Happiness in Every Bite

This Healthy Cauliflower Side Dish is packed with nutrients. Cauliflower is a great source of fiber and vitamins. Plus, it's baked, not fried, so you can feel good about indulging.

It is the perfect addition to any dinner. Honestly? I reckon it is one of the best Cauliflower Dishes I have ever made! You can even eat it watching Doctor Who!

Ready to get started? Let's dive into what you'll need!

The Secret Ingredients for Bang Bang Baked Cauliflower Bites

So, what makes this Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower so special? It’s all about the sauce. The batter is crucial, you want to be sure to get it crispy! Don't skip the cornstarch, it is the real MVP here.

Ingredients & Equipment for Epic Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower

Sweet and Spicy Bang Bang Cauliflower Bites presentation

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You know, the stuff that transforms a humble head of cauliflower into something truly special. Think of it as the "sonic screwdriver" for your veggies.

We're about to create a crispy baked cauliflower masterpiece.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Cauliflower: 1 large head (about 2 lbs / 900g ), cut into florets.
Olive oil: 1 tbsp ( 15ml ).
Salt & pepper: To taste.

Okay, so quality matters here. For the cauliflower, you want a head that's firm and tightly packed. Avoid any with brown spots, you know? It's just like choosing the right outfit, a good cauliflower will make a HUGE difference.

Batter ingredients:

All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup ( 60g )
Cornstarch: 1/4 cup ( 30g )
Baking powder: 1 tsp ( 5g )
Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp ( 2.5g )
Paprika: 1/2 tsp ( 2.5g )
Salt: 1/2 tsp ( 2.5g )
Unsweetened almond milk: 1/2 cup ( 120ml )
Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp ( 15ml )

Sweet and Spicy Sauce Ingredients:

Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup ( 60ml )
Sweet chili sauce: 2 tbsp ( 30ml )
Sriracha: 1 tbsp ( 15ml )
Honey: 1 tbsp ( 15ml )
Soy sauce: 1 tsp ( 5ml )
Rice vinegar: 1/2 tsp ( 2.5ml )

Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!

The Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower sauce is where the magic happens! The combo of sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey is just chef's kiss .

Honestly, don’t be shy with the sriracha if you like a spicy cauliflower kick. You can add cayenne pepper. Soy sauce and rice vinegar provide the savoury punch.

If you don't have rice vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice will do in a pinch. For my vegan bang bang cauliflower pals, use vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey! It is perfect as Cauliflower Appetizer Recipe .

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

Large bowl
Whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small saucepan (optional, for heating sauce)

You really don't need fancy gear for this baked cauliflower recipe . A bowl, a whisk, and a baking sheet are your best friends.

Parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze, trust me. If you're feeling extra, you can heat the sauce in a small saucepan, but microwaving works just fine too!

Let's Talk Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower, Shall We?

Honestly, I never thought I’d be raving about cauliflower. For years, it was just that bland veggie my mum forced me to eat.

Now? Oh my gosh, it's a star! This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe is a total game changer. Even the most die-hard carnivores in your life will be asking for seconds.

Forget those sad Vegetarian Cauliflower Recipes you've seen before; this one's a flavour explosion. Think Sweet and Spicy Cauliflower Bites of joy!

Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Magic

First things first, let’s get organised. I’m all about that time saving life!

Chop that cauliflower into cute little florets. About 2 lbs (900g) worth. Think bite sized.
Whisk together the dry batter ingredients: 1/2 cup flour (60g) , 1/4 cup cornstarch (30g) , 1 tsp baking powder (5g) , 1/2 tsp garlic powder (2.5g) , 1/2 tsp paprika (2.5g) , and 1/2 tsp salt (2.5g) .
In a separate bowl, mix the sauce: 1/4 cup mayo (60ml) , 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (30ml) , 1 tbsp sriracha (15ml) , 1 tbsp honey (15ml) , 1 tsp soy sauce (5ml) , and 1/2 tsp rice vinegar (2.5ml) .
Remember to line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, cleanup will be a breeze.

step-by-step to Crispy Baked Cauliflower Goodness

Right, let's get cooking! This is the fun part.

Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
Toss the cauliflower with 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml) , salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes , flipping halfway. We want some browning.
Whisk 1/2 cup almond milk (120ml) and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (15ml) into the dry batter. Don't overmix!
Dip each floret into the batter, making sure it's fully coated.
Place back on the baking sheet and bake for another 10- 12 minutes , until golden and crispy .
Toss the baked cauliflower with the sweet and spicy sauce.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions (optional). Serve immediately as a delicious Cauliflower Appetizer Recipe or side.

Pro Tips: Get the Bang Bang Flavour Just Right

Here's where we elevate this Baked Cauliflower Recipe to the next level.

Don't overcrowd the baking sheet . This is crucial for achieving Crispy Baked Cauliflower , not soggy cauliflower.
Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference. Taste and add more if you're feeling brave!
For extra flavour, try marinating the cauliflower in the dry spices for about 15 minutes before baking. It makes a huge difference!

This recipe truly transformed my view of cauliflower. It's a fantastic Healthy Cauliflower Side Dish that is full of flavour.

So, give it a go. You might just surprise yourself! Enjoy your Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower .

Recipe Notes That'll Make You a Cauliflower Rockstar

Right, so you're about to dive into making this Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower . Awesome! Honestly, it's one of my favorite Vegetarian Cauliflower Recipes .

But before you get started, let's chat about a few things that will take your Baked Cauliflower Recipe from good to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!".

Think of these as my little secrets for success, learned the hard way...you know?

Serving Up Some Serious Style

Presentation matters, yeah? For plating this Spicy Cauliflower , I like to think simple but effective. Pile those gorgeous Sweet and Spicy Cauliflower Bites high on a plate.

A sprinkle of sesame seeds and some finely chopped spring onions makes it look super fancy.

As for sides, a cool, creamy dip like ranch or a light cucumber salad works wonders to balance the heat.

And a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio? Heaven. This Cauliflower Appetizer Recipe is versatile!

Storing Like a Pro

Okay, so you've made a huge batch of this Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower ...or maybe you have leftovers. Here's the lowdown on storing:

Fridge: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Honestly, though, it's best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing: I don't recommend freezing this. The crispy texture really suffers, and nobody wants soggy cauliflower!
Reheating: For reheating, pop it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use an air fryer to try and recapture some crispiness.

Twist It Up!

Wanna get creative? This recipe is totally adaptable.

Dietary Tweaks: Need it Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower ? Just swap out the regular mayonnaise for a vegan version. For a lower carb option, try using almond flour in the batter.
Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, try adding some grilled corn kernels to the sauce for extra sweetness. Winter? A pinch of smoked paprika adds a lovely warmth.

Nutrition: Goodness in Every Bite

Let's keep it real. This Healthy Cauliflower Side Dish isn't exactly a salad. But it's still packed with goodness! Cauliflower is a great source of fiber and vitamins.

Each serving is around 250-300 calories. Plus, you are getting your veggies. Remember that eating your Cauliflower Dishes is very healthy!

So go on, get baking! I promise, this recipe is a winner. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. You got this!

Delicious Sweet Spicy Cauliflower A Vegetarian Delight

Frequently Asked Questions

My Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower isn't crispy! What did I do wrong?

Ah, the dreaded soggy cauliflower! Usually, this happens if the baking sheet is overcrowded, causing the cauliflower to steam instead of roast. Make sure you spread the florets in a single layer with plenty of space between them.

Also, patting the cauliflower dry before battering helps the batter adhere and crisp up properly. Think of it like trying to get a good tan on a British summer day space and preparation are key!

Can I make Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower ahead of time?

While freshly baked is always best for maximum crispiness, you can prep components ahead of time. You can chop the cauliflower and mix the batter and sauce separately, storing them in the fridge. However, I wouldn't recommend baking the cauliflower ahead of time, as it will lose its lovely texture.

Kind of like trying to reheat fish and chips it's just not the same!

How can I adjust the spice level of this Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe?

Spice is subjective, isn't it? To tame the heat, start with a smaller amount of sriracha in the sauce and add more to taste. If you want to kick it up a notch, a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the batter or sauce will do the trick.

Think of it like Goldilocks and the Three Bears you want the spice level to be just right!

Is there a way to make this Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make this dish vegan friendly, swap out the regular mayonnaise for a vegan alternative. You can usually find decent options at most supermarkets these days. Also, ensure that your sweet chili sauce is vegan. These simple swaps make it a totally cruelty free treat.

What are some good substitutions I can use for this Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower if I have allergies?

Got allergies? No worries, let's sort this out. If you're avoiding gluten, try almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. For dairy allergies, make sure your milk and mayo are dairy-free. Honey can be subbed for maple syrup or agave nectar.

Just make sure to adjust the amount of liquid to get the right batter consistency think of it as a science experiment in the kitchen!

How do I store leftover Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be warned, though, the cauliflower will lose some of its crispiness. To try and revive it, you can reheat it in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes.

Just don't expect it to be quite as good as the first time around some things are best enjoyed fresh, like a good cuppa!