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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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