BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe
These BBQ Cauliflower Wings are a delicious, plant-based alternative to traditional chicken wings. Coated in a flavorful seasoned batter and smothered in smoky BBQ sauce, they offer the perfect balance of crispy texture and tangy taste. Ideal as a game-day snack or appetizer, they’re served best with vegan ranch for dipping.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Cauliflower Wings
- ½ head of cauliflower
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plain plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
Sauce and Dips
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Vegan ranch dressing (for serving)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for a crispy bake.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into strips about ½ inch wide and 2 to 3 inches long to resemble wing shapes.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, and liquid smoke until smooth and well combined.
- Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower piece into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated for maximum crispiness.
- Bake Initially: Arrange the coated cauliflower pieces on a non-stick baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking oil. Bake for 15 minutes to start crisping them up.
- Heat BBQ Sauce: While baking, gently warm the BBQ sauce in a saucepan to make it easier to coat the wings.
- Coat with BBQ Sauce: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and dip each piece into the warmed BBQ sauce, then place them back on the baking sheet.
- Final Bake: Return the sauced cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the sauce and intensify flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your BBQ cauliflower wings hot with extra BBQ sauce or vegan ranch dip for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, flip the cauliflower wings halfway through each baking time.
- Use gluten-free flour if you require a gluten-free version.
- Liquid smoke adds a smoky depth but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to vary the flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 4-5 pieces)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: BBQ cauliflower wings, vegan wings, plant-based appetizer, vegan snack, healthy wings, gluten-free option, vegetarian BBQ