Everything Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Everything Buffalo Cauliflower Bites have taken over menus nationwide! They’re the perfect crispy, spicy, and tangy alternative to buffalo wings – and loved by vegans and non-vegans alike.

These Everything Buffalo Cauliflower Bites come with a special twist: the “everything” seasoning adds a punch of flavor that takes them to the next level. Think of it as your new go-to snack, appetizer, or party pleaser. Whether served with a dip or just on their own, these bites are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love Everything Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

• Bold Flavors: The combination of hot buffalo sauce and the savory “everything” coating creates an explosion of flavor.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll whip these up in no time.
• Perfect for Any Diet: Vegan and gluten-free options make this dish accessible to many.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, sauces, or even swap cauliflower for another veggie or seitan for a meatier texture.

What You Need to Make Everything Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

For the Buffalo Sauce

• Hot Sauce: 1 cup (235 ml), for that classic tangy buffalo flavor.
• Vegan Butter: ¼ cup (55 g), adding a creamy, smooth texture.
• Organic Dark Brown Sugar: ¼ cup (60 g), to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.

For the Everything Coating

• Dried Minced Garlic: 1 tablespoon (6 g), adding a punchy flavor.
• Dried Minced Onion: 1 tablespoon (6 g), enhancing the overall taste.
• Black Sesame Seeds: 2 teaspoons (6 g), adding texture and color.
• Coarse Sea Salt or Maldon Salt: 2 teaspoons (12 g), to season.

For the Cauliflower Bites

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (125 g), for the batter base.
• Stone-Ground Yellow Cornmeal or Polenta: 1 cup (140 g), to add crunch.
• Cornstarch: ¼ cup (32 g), making the batter light and crispy.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon and ½ teaspoon respectively, for seasoning.
• Seltzer Water: 1½ cups (355 ml), creating a bubbly, airy batter.
• Canola Oil or Cooking Spray: For frying or baking.
• Cauliflower: 1 medium head, cut into bite-sized florets.
• Scallions: For garnish.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: For dipping; choose either store-bought vegan blue cheese or make your own.

How to Make Everything Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Step 1: Make the Buffalo Sauce

1. Combine hot sauce, vegan butter, and brown sugar in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
3. Set aside once done.

Step 2: Prepare the Everything Coating

1. Mix dried garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and salt in a small bowl.
2. Set this coating mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Make the Cauliflower Bites

1. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Slowly add seltzer water to form a thick batter.
2. Heat canola oil in a wok or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
3. Coat cauliflower florets in batter, letting the excess drip off before carefully placing in hot oil.
4. Fry in small batches for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove and place on paper towels to drain.
5. Toss the fried cauliflower in batches with the buffalo sauce and the “everything” seasoning mixture.
6. Transfer to a serving tray, garnish with scallions, and serve with blue cheese dressing.

Baked Option: Prefer a lighter version? Coat the cauliflower as instructed and bake at 450°F (230°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through until lightly browned.

Pro Tip: Make your own Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing!

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour for the batter?

Yes, you can experiment with gluten-free flour or chickpea flour for a different texture or dietary preference.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can reduce the amount of hot sauce or replace it with a milder sauce, like BBQ or teriyaki.

Can I make these in advance?

It’s best to serve them fresh to retain their crunch. However, you can prepare the sauce and seasoning ahead of time.

Can I use an air fryer?

Absolutely! An air fryer is a great alternative to frying. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Everything Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

These Everything Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a flavorful, versatile, and vegan-friendly take on a classic favorite. Perfect for parties, snacks, or any occasion where you need a flavorful, crunchy bite.

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Ingredients

  

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• ▢ 1 cup 235 ml hot sauce
• ▢ -¼ cup 55 g vegan butter
• ▢ ¼ cup 60 g packed organic dark brown sugar

For the Everything Coating:

• ▢ 1 tablespoon 6 g dried minced garlic
• ▢ 1 tablespoon 6 g dried minced onion
• ▢ 2 teaspoons 6 g black sesame seeds
• ▢ 2 teaspoons 12 g Maldon or coarse sea salt

For the Cauliflower Bites:

• ▢ 1 cup 125 g all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 cup 140 g stone-ground yellow cornmeal or polenta
• ▢ ¼ cup 32 g cornstarch
• ▢ 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1½ cups 355 ml seltzer water
• ▢ Canola oil or cooking spray
• ▢ 1 medium head cauliflower trimmed and cut into bite-size florets
• ▢ 2 scallions roughly chopped
• ▢ Blue Cheese Dressing or store-bought vegan blue cheese dressing for dipping

Instructions

 

To Make the Buffalo Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, butter, and brown sugar.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
• Remove from the heat and set aside.

To Make the Everything Coating:

• In a small bowl, combine the garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and salt.
• Set aside.

To Make the Cauliflower Bites:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
• Slowly add the seltzer water, whisking until well combined and a thick batter has formed.
• In a wok or large saucepan, pour 3 inches (7.5 cm) of canola oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a plate with paper towels.
• Working in batches, transfer half of the cauliflower florets into the batter, mixing until all the florets are fully coated.
• Using tongs, pick up a piece of cauliflower, allowing excess batter to drip off, and carefully transfer into the frying oil. Repeat with the remaining battered pieces.
• Fry in small batches for 4 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cauliflower to the paper towel–lined plate. Repeat until all of the cauliflower is fried.
• In a large bowl, toss ¼ of the fried cauliflower bites with ¼ of the buffalo sauce and 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of the “everything” mixture. Repeat for the remaining bites in batches.
• Transfer the bites to a serving tray, sprinkle with any remaining everything coating and the scallions.
• Serve with Blue Cheese Dressing on the side for dipping.

Notes

For a meatier texture, make these with seitan by cutting it into bite-size pieces and using in place of the cauliflower. If you run out of batter before coating all the cauliflower, store the leftover florets in the fridge for future use.

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